Google

Chrome gains full-screen on iPad, opens links in native apps, saves bandwidth and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 17, 2013

The Internet giant Google has just pushed a major update to its Chrome browser for the iPhone and iPad, sporting better voice capabilities and containing a whole bunch of new features that make the browser fully interoperable with major Google apps available on the iOS platform.

In addition to advanced voice control achieved through additional enhancements to voice search and improved text-to-speech, this edition of the Chrome 28 build boasts tight interoperability with Google's other native apps on iOS.

For starters, there's a handy option to open links for YouTube, Maps, Google+ and Drive in Google's native iOS apps instead of the browser. On the iPad side, there's a new full-screen browsing mode (finally) along with other tidbits, mentioned after the break...

Apple-Samsung smartphone duopoly to continue into 2014

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 17, 2013

The smart device duopoly of Apple and Samsung is set to continue into 2014, new research finds. Although growth is slowing amid lack of 'wow' factor, smartphones will account for three-quarters of the 2.5 billion devices expected to sell next year.

In other words, smartphones will comprise an astounding 1.9 billion handsets sold next year.

Google's Android mobile software will have 42 percent of the market with Apple's iOS garnering fourteen percent in 2014. Microsoft is predicted to become the #2 platform with a fifteen percent share of next year's market, according to Gartner...

Google Maps 2.0 is out with enhanced navigation and iPad support

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Good news iOS users! The big Google Maps update that hit the Android Play Store last week is now rolling out to Apple's mobile platform. The update, which brings the app to version 2.0, contains a number of new features including iPad support and indoor maps.

Although Apple's Maps application has significantly improved in recent months, many folks still prefer to use Google's offering. And since it launched its standalone Maps app on iOS last December, users have been clamoring for an iPad version. Well, here it is...

WSJ: Google seeking game-changing live TV Internet service

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 16, 2013

I know, I know, Google runs the world's greatest video streaming machine, YouTube, so why wouldn't networks broadcast live TV there, no? Not so fast.

For starters, Google might be interested in marketing a rumored live TV Internet service separate of its other offerings.

Let's also not forget Apple hasn't had much luck persuading networks to license TV channels directly instead of going through operators.

Be that as it may, the search giant is said to has been months into negotiating an over-the-top video service that would let customers stream live TV programming over the Internet, in turn totally bypassing cable operators like Comcast and Time Warner Cable.

There's no question cable-cutters should have a field day when, and if, Google's live TV becomes a reality...

Google’s Moto X to include always-on voice assistant and other innovative features

Cody Lee ∙ July 15, 2013

When it comes to flagship smartphone sales, it's essentially a two-horse race between Apple's iPhone line and Samsung's Galaxy S line. Both companies account for nearly all of the industry's profits, and frequently trade-off the title of top-selling manufacturer.

But Google is looking to change that with its upcoming Moto X handset. The device, which has been the subject of a number of rumors and leaks over the past few months, is the company's first since it acquired Motorola's hardware division nearly two years ago...

Microsoft suing US Customs for not enforcing ban on Motorola devices

Cody Lee ∙ July 14, 2013

As Apple fights to stay a recently-imposed import ban on some of its iOS devices, Microsoft is trying to push one forward. The Redmond company is suing the US Customs and Border Protection office for refusing to enforce an ITC order to block imports of Motorola phones.

In May 2012, the US International Trade Commission issued a ban on Motorola devices for infringing a Microsoft patent on syncing calendar events with other computers. The suit alleges Google has held secret meetings with US Customs, convincing the office to ignore the ban...

Eric Schmidt: Apple and Google relationship improving

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Last year, the war between Apple and Google reached epic proportions. Not only were the two squaring off in the mobile platform space, and in the courtroom, but Apple actually booted Google's YouTube and Maps apps off the pre-installed list in iOS.

But things are calming down between the two tech titans, according to Google's Eric Schmidt. The executive chairman had nothing but nice things to say about the iPad-maker, telling reporters at the Sun Valley retreat that he "has a lot of respect for Apple..."

Apple and Google are no longer America’s hottest brands

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 11, 2013

Quick, name the two hottest brands in the United States. If you picked Apple and Google you'd be wrong.

Although the iPhone maker and Android creator dominate the smartphone industry, the companies have dropped from the list of hot brand names.

By contrast, Amazon and YouTube made the current list of the top 10 hottest US brands for mid-year 2013. In another surprise, basement-dwelling BlackBerry was named the most-improved technology brand - thanks to the new Z10...

Google shows off new Google Maps features, coming soon to iOS

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 10, 2013

As announced on Google's official Lat Long blog yesterday, the company has begun rolling out a major update to Google Maps that was first showcased at Google I/O 2013 in May. The company has issued a promotional clip to detail some of the new features, now available to Android 4.0.3+ users as a free download on the Play store. Although the new build hasn't hit the App Store yet, Google said it will be soon available for iOS 6+ devices...

Smartphones to push mobile ads over $9B in 2013

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

There are several key take-aways from a new report showing mobile advertising is exploding, set to surpass $9 billion in 2013. Despite a developed world saturated in smartphones, services for those devices continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Additionally, as we touched on Monday with the incredible success of Candy Crush Saga, the freemium app concept is red hot.

Such apps gain their popularity by being free up front, but earn their keep either through in-app purchases or advertising. According to the report by IAB and IHS, search accounts for 53 percent of mobile ad revenues, crystallizing what I've always thought: Google did not create Android out of some magnanimous gesture, but to keep ahead of the advertising curve...

YouTube Capture gains support for accounts with multiple channels

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 13, 2018

The Internet giant Google today released a maintenance update to its YouTube Capture app used to record clips on your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices and upload them in the YouTube-friendly format to the video sharing service. The biggest improvement in YouTube Capture version 1.5 is support for YouTube accounts with multiple channels.

This is no doubt going to appeal to prolific YouTube creators such as our own Jeff Benjamin whose how-to, hands-on and walkthrough videos regularly score high view counts (and some people even fall in love with the sound of Jeff's wonderful radio voice).

This edition of YouTube Capture additionally features general improvements and fixes and better uploading on iOS 5 devices...

Ireland opposes grilling Apple and Google execs over tax shelters

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 5, 2013

Apple executives, and other tech titans under fire for their tax avoidance practices, can sigh with relief. An Irish committee voted earlier against asking Apple CEO Tim Cook and others about how they used the Irish tax laws to limit what they owe the IRS. Instead, a finance committee of the parliament will put European finance officials on the hot seat.

An investigation by a U.S. Senate subcommittee found Apple funneled a large portion of its income through an Irish business unit, which charged a very low tax rate. As part of that investigation, Cook was called to answer Senator's questions...