Google

‘BMarks Bar – Chrome’ updated with several awesome new features

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

We raved about BMarks Bar - Chrome on the last episode of Let's Talk Jailbreak, and for good reason, as it's one of the best Google Chrome tweaks yet to be released. Recently, the tweak was updated with all sorts of new goodies, which is sure to make the bookmarking experience even better with Google Chrome.

Version 1.0.2 of BMarks Bar - Chrome brings enhanced iOS 5 compatibility, press and hold actions, dynamically updating bookmarks, and access to the bookmarks bar while in full screen mode. Needless to say, if you're a fan of Google Chrome, you definitely want to check out the new features that this update brings to the table. Full video overview of the new features inside.

Google unveils Android Device Manager, its own version of Find My iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ August 2, 2013

Google has just filled another missing link in its Android software by introducing a feature which allows users to find their misplaced or stolen device on a world map, wipe its contents remotely, send alerts and more. If the announcement sounds a lot like Apple's Find My iPhone app, you're right, it does - though you'd be hard-pressed to argue against giving Android users the ability to track down their precious gear.

Called Android Device Manager, in true Google fashion it's a web-based tool that works much like the Find My iPhone iOS app + iCloud web interface combo from Apple...

Get ready to rumble: Apple, Samsung face off in death match before ITC

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

It's not exactly the thrilla' in manilla, but a heavyweight fight is set in the otherwise staid patent courts. Apple and Samsung, which both comprise most smartphone sales, are looking for a knockout, hoping to grab more market share and force rivals to pay up.

Over the next several days, both companies are set to argue why sales of each other's smartphones should be blocked as both companies continue to point fingers. What's in it for Apple? Potentially the loss of its most-popular handsets and throwing a roadblock in front of the Android express...

Motorola introduces the customizable Moto X

Cody Lee ∙ August 1, 2013

As expected, Motorola unveiled its new Moto X handset today at an intimate event in New York City. Though Motorola has unveiled a few new devices since it was purchased by Google last year, this is said to be the first true product of their collaboration.

Initial feedback on the phone has been positive. In line with previous leaks, the X has a 4.7-inch display, a number of customizable hardware options and some unique software features. But will it be enough to make a dent in the crowded smartphone market?

Forrester: the iPhone is still most-used smartphone

Ed Sutherland ∙ August 1, 2013

Yet another study throws a spotlight on the differences in how Apple and Android smartphone owners use their devices, with a heavy emphasis on 'use'. Both in apps and overall smartphone usage, iPhone owners rank higher than owners of Android handsets.

After surveying both U.S. and European smartphone owners, researchers not only found owners of the Apple device more frequently use apps, but conduct more tasks suitable to smartphones, such as browsing the Internet. This despite Android's advantage both in number of handsets out there and in sales.

The dichotomy just reinforces our Android in a Drawer theory, which says many owners of the Google-powered devices see their handsets as just a spiffier version of dumb feature phones, ignoring most of what makes smartphones smart...

Google’s Play store passes App Store downloads, Apple rules revenues

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

It may not reach the importance of the 'best-filling' versus 'tastes great' soda debate, but new numbers add fuel to the ongoing question of what's most important in measuring app store supremacy: downloads or revenue. Both those rooting for sheer demand as well as ultimate revenue figures found something to cheer about Wednesday.

Analytics company App Annie is out with second-quarter numbers showing the Android-based Google Play store had ten percent more download's that Apple's iOS App Store. However, Apple - which prides itself on being the Tiffany of technology - raked in 2.3 times the revenue.

The details after the break...

Google axing support for Catalogs app beginning August 15

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 31, 2013

Google has named the next mobile app to be retired as its killing spree continues. Starting with August 15, the Internet company will stop supporting the Google Catalogs program on iPads and Android tablets (they've never gotten to releasing an iPhone version).

The app, basically a glorified magazine-like browser with window-shopping experience, will continue to be supported on both platforms until August 15.

For those oblivious to its existence, the app features a comprehensive catalog of products sold by apparel and fashion merchants and lets you save items for later - even create your own collages. And when you see something you like, a single tap produces a nearby store information or takes you to the merchant's website to make a purchase...

Report claiming that Nexus 7 outsold iPad mini in Japan found misleading

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 12, 2018

In January of this year, market research firm BCN posted a report claiming that the Nexus 7 outsold the iPad mini in Japan during the holidays. Google's tablet accounted for 44.4% of all tablets sold in the study's 2,400 stores during the period, besting Apple (40.1% ) for the first time.

Fast forward to last week, when Google unveiled the new Nexus 7. Google's SVP, and leader of the Android team, Sundar Pichai, took the stage and began rattling off statistics about the platform. And of course he referred to the BCN report, which we have since learned is very misleading...

Apple chasing Control Center Android app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Did you know Android has its own Control Center? No, really - earlier this month developer Hi Tools Studio earned free publicity by releasing an app that brings the full iOS 7 Control Center user experience to Android phones and tablets. And boy, is it a pixel-perfect copy of the headline iOS 7 capability, down to all of the included features and then some.

Now, the iPhone maker rarely files app complaints with Google so they could have just as easily turned a blind eye on this one had this particular developer not crossed the line so obviously. Hence, Apple has asked the Internet giant to pull the software on the basis of copyright violation...

Apple and Motorola drop 14 patents from upcoming Florida lawsuit

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 30, 2013

In a sign that tech companies have moved beyond the patent litigation stage of throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks, Apple and Google-owned Motorola Mobility Monday dropped more than a dozen patents in preparation for a Florida patent-infringement lawsuit.

The move signals both companies are seeking the strategic upper-hand in a case which has exasperated the presiding judge. In the case scheduled for August of 2014, Google-owned Motorola dismissed eight patents while Apple dropped six yesterday, after previously trimming two patents, according to a joint stipulation filed before the District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami...

Google posts Zagat iOS restaurant guide app, makes ratings available on the web

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 29, 2013

The streamlining continues on over at Google. Two latest products to fall victim of the company's re-newed focus on stuff that matters: the Shopper and Google+ Local app for the iPhone.

Basically the reincarnation of Google Places, the Google+ Local app will get pulled from the App Store next month because its features have been recently folded into the latest Google Maps update.

Although Places lets you use your voice to search for nearby restaurants and businesses, it became the prime candidate for removal after Google had bought Zagat in September 2011. And just like clockwork, Google on Tuesday issued a standalone Zagat app for iOS and Android devices and for the first time has made those reviews available on the web, free of charge...

In addition to Local, Google shutting down Shopper app next month

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

It looks like Google isn't done axing its iOS apps yet. In addition to pulling Google+ Local from the App Store next month, the search giant has announced today that it will also be shutting down its 'Shopper app' for iOS at the end of August.

For those unfamiliar with Google Shopper, the app acts as a portal to Google's web-based shopping service, which through curation helps people track down products and prices online, as well as in their local area. More details after the fold...