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Google’s Chromecast to get Android mirroring, ‘Backdrop’ slideshows and casting from nearby devices

Jun25
by on June 25, 2014 at 5:53 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Google, Insider, Product Updates

Google's Android And Chrome Chief Sundar Pichai Holds News Event
Later this year, Google will update Chromecast so that anyone can choose and control the content being streamed through the device – even if they’re not on the same Wi-Fi network as the tiny dongle. In short, Chromecast owners will have the option to authenticate nearby users. This means that if a person is on a cellular network – either because they can’t be bothered to type in a Wi-Fi password, or because you just don’t trust them with it – they can still control the Chromecast connected to your TV. Google is also introducing a new feature called Backdrop, which…

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Google announces Android TV to bring ‘voice input, user experience and content’ to the living room

Jun25
by on June 25, 2014 at 5:32 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Google

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Google today announced Android TV, an extension of its Android platform for your living room. The company described the product as “bringing voice input, user experience and content to the largest screen in your house.” Android TV features a smart homescreen that recommends new content to you. You’ll also have access to Google’s voice search to find info about the shows you’re watching. In addition to video content, gaming is a big part of the Android TV strategy. You’ll be able to play multiplayer games, such as NBA Jam, on your TV against friends using Android tablets. Google also revealed that Android TV will…

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Samsung Gear Live and LG G Android Wear smartwatches available to pre-order today

Jun25
by on June 25, 2014 at 5:22 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Gadgets, Insider, Product Launches

Samsung has announced that it will be launching an Android Wear-based smartwatch called the Samsung Gear Live, its first device to use Google’s platform designed specifically for wearables. Announced today at Google IO, the device will join the growing ranks of smartwatches to use the platform and will go on sale later today alongside LG’s G Watch on the Google Play store. Unfortunately, the Moto 360 device expected to be announced at the event still won’t be available to pre-order until later in the summer, Google said. The decision for Samsung to launch an Android Wear-based smartwatch is an interesting…

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Google unveils Android Auto, a new voice-enabled platform for the car

Jun25
by on June 25, 2014 at 5:21 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Google, Insider

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Google is bringing Android into the car. The company today unveiled Android Auto, a new voice-enabled software experience for drivers. It’s based on navigation, communication and music, so users won’t have to search through an endless grid of icons – an unpleasant experience and also pretty dangerous while on the road. The platform is also contextually aware, placing Google Now cards front-and-center. So if you’re leaving the office, Android Auto might offer the route home, including an estimated travel time, and your favorite music playlist. All of the apps run on the smartphone, which means it’s easier for developers and users…

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Android Wear SDK available to download for developers from today

Jun25
by on June 25, 2014 at 5:13 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Google, Insider, Product Launches

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Google has announced that the software development kit (SDK) which will allow developers to integrate Google’s Android Wear platform with their own devices and apps will be available to download from later today. First announced back in March, Android Wear is Google’s custom platform for smartwatches and it has already seen pledges of support from device makers such as LG, Motorola and Samsung. During the event, Google demonstrated a Pinterest app which could notify users via a smartwatch when they’re near a restaurant featured in one of their Pins. Another demo included the Allthecooks’ app automatically displaying an entire recipe on a smartwatch…

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