Google

Google Drive for iOS updated with activity stream, incoming view, faster uploading and more

Joe Rossignol ∙ June 25, 2014

The official Google Drive app for iPhone and iPad has been updated to version 3.1 with several added features. An all-new incoming view displays files that have been shared with you as they arrive, alongside an activity stream for viewing changes to files and folders made by you and others from the details panel. We've recapped some of the other changes and have the official release notes after the break…

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…

Google-owned Nest takes on Apple’s HomeKit, opens up API for developers

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 29, 2016

Nest Labs, the Google-owned maker of the popular Nest thermostat and smoke detector, has signaled its intention to open up its technology to third-party developers by launching the Nest Developer Program last September.

Since then, Nest has been building a real-time web API for the Nest Learning Thermostat and today, ahead of Google I/O which starts tomorrow, the program has gone active.

The official API allows the Nest to work with all kinds of devices, from smart light bulbs to various home appliances to fitness bands and even cars. "Connect your Nest to things inside and outside of your home, and we'll get even better at keeping you comfortable and safe," says Google.

Contrary to previous assurances by Nest co-founder and former Apple engineer Tony Fadell, Nest devices will need to share some data with Google so the Internet giant could understand your daily habits and intelligently propose new ways of saving energy around the house...

Google-owned Nest acquires Dropcam for $555 million

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Smart thermostat-maker Nest announced on Friday that it has reached an agreement to acquire Dropcam. The company, which itself was purchased by Google earlier this year, says that the all-cash deal is worth a hefty $555 million.

For those unfamiliar with Dropcam, it's behind the popular line of Internet-connected home monitoring cameras. Major selling points for the cameras include easy setup, 2-way audio and remote streaming via any PC or mobile device...

Waze updated with new UI, enhanced sharing features and more

Cody Lee ∙ June 18, 2014

Fans and users of the popular Waze GPS app will be happy to hear that the mapping client received a significant update today. The release brings about several changes, including various redesigned UI elements and a handful of useful new features.

The new UI covers the ETA screen, which now lets users easily share their drive with friends and family, and also adds a new icon in the ETA tab that shows the number of users tracking your trip. We have a full breakdown of the new features below...

Google issues iOS 8 fix for Chrome

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 18, 2014

Google's free Chrome for iOS browser is one of a few dozen popular iPhone and iPad applications that crash or refuse to work properly on iOS 8. And although the second beta of iOS 8 claims improved compatibility with third-party software such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, Chrome still wouldn't work reliably.

Acknowledging as much, the Internet giant has just issued a minor Chrome for iOS update with stability fixes and "compatibility with new iOS versions"...

Nest Protect smoke alarm returns on store shelves, now just $99

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 17, 2014

Nest Labs, which Google is acquiring for $3.2 billion in cash, has resumed sales of its Nest Protect after recalling about 40,000 units in April over a safety bug with the smoke and carbon monoxide detector's Protect Wave feature potentially preventing the alarm from sounding.

The company has now disabled Protect Wave on existing devices via a software update while re-releasing a slightly tweaked device at a discounted price of $99 each, down from the previous price of $129...

How Google could soon tell when the next iPhone will be released

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

My headline isn't an exaggeration. The Internet giant last week announced buying satellite imaging company Skybox Imaging for $500 million, which is peanuts, really, when you consider what Skybox does for a living. The company has satellites that circle the orbit of the Earth and take very detailed photographs of the terrain.

On the surface, the acquisition should help keep Google Maps accurate with up-to-date imagery. Google on its part has said the Skybox buy will also help them improve Internet access and disaster relief. So, what does any of this have to do with the iPhone?

Read on...

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...

Google Search iOS app receives 2014 FIFA World Cup Google Now cards

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

With about 24 hours left until the 2014 World Cup Brazil opening game between Brazil and Croatia, developers are feverishly updating their apps with soccer-related content.

The Internet giant Google has just issued a World Cup-themed update to its standalone Search iOS app, adding useful Google Now cards for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The cards show up-to-date information like match statistics, group standings and scorers and are available by swiping up to choose your favorite team to follow...