With WWDC behind us and Microsoft’s Surface tablet out of the bag, it’s Google’s turn to take the lid off its latest. Its annual I/O developer conference, which kicks off today at 12:30EST, should offer a heaping buffet of new products and software developments. But let’s start with the usual amuse-bouche: a crapload of rumors. So what might I/O bring this year? More »
Sirius XM has long had a love affair with Android, going so far as to build an Android-powered satellite radio just a few months ago. That flame is burning for at least a little while longer with plans for a Google TV app launching this summer. Much in line with Sirius XM’s more recent internet options, subscribers can soon tune into virtually anything from the satellite radio lineup, including the obligatory Howard Stern, as well as online-only bonuses like ESPN SportsCenter. The radio provider tells Reuters that it worked “closely” with Google to build the app, but what secret sauce that adds (if any) is left to the imagination: the live pausing and five-hour content storage don’t exactly break the mold of what we’ve seen so far. We’ll find out very soon just how category-busting Sirius XM can get when we get a full reveal of the Google TV app in sync with the start of Google I/O.
Sirius XM gives Google TV a Stern look, plans radio app for this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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If you’re game for learning some new search tricks, they may as well come from the hive mind itself. Mountain View is currently accepting registrations for “Power Searching with Google,” a free-of-charge virtual course which will start on July 10th and involve six 50-minute interactive classes spread over two weeks. In addition to plugging Goolge+ at every opportunity, it promises to explain how to “solve real, everyday problems” using advanced search features — and there’s even a certificate at the end of it. Sign up at the course homepage linked below.
Google offers free online course to turn you into a ‘power searcher’ originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
We’ve seen the rumors and leaks for months, but now an ASUS executive has all but confirmed that Google will be unveiling a 7-inch Nexus tablet later today. The exec, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to Reuters regarding Google’s plans, saying the company wished to have its own affordable tablet in place to compete with others in the marketplace.
The ASUS exec didn’t want to give specific details on pricing or availability, but alluded to the tablet competing against a $199 device already on the market with its own range of content services. Previous rumors and leaks have indicated that the Nexus tablet will sport a 7-inch display with a 1280×800 resolution, a quad-core Tegra 3 processor clocked at 1.3Ghz, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, and cost $199. It’s also said to be running the latest version of Android, Jelly Bean.
Whatever happens, we’ll be bringing you live coverage from Google I/O when it kicks off later today. The main event begins at 12:30pm EST/9:30am PST, so make sure to check back then as we bring you all the information.
[via Gizmodo]
ASUS exec confirms imminent Google tablet is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
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If your Vinci II tablet was working out your children’s arms, more than their minds, then fear not. The makers have just announced the arrival of a new, lighter “M” model. The 5-inch kiddie slate is compatible with the Vinci Curriculum and Kids library apps, and keeps the option for Parent Mode for when Dad wants to check the football scores via the Android-based OS. Designed for users kids on the go, the tablets can also be networked for some little-LAN action. It’s still the same 1.2 GHz A8 Cortex running the show, but if you thought that smaller screen might mean more battery, then sadly you’re mistaken, with the company’s own website estimating just four hours of junior-fun — half that of the larger version. That said, up for pre-order at $169 ($80 less than the 7-incher) maybe that’s enough to soften the already rubberized blow.
New child-friendly Vinci Tab II ‘M’ is smaller, lighter, cheaper originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Earlier this week a leak prompted rumours to circulate suggesting that Google’s hotly anticipated tablet would be announced today. Now, Reuters is reporting that an unnamed Asustek executive has confirmed that to be the case. More »
We already suspected as much — not least from the FCC filing above — but an unnamed executive at Asustek Computer Inc has reportedly just confirmed that Google’s much-rumored new tablet will be co-branded with ASUS. According to Reuters, the employee said the tablet will help Google to “target Amazon” and the Kindle range of tablets and e-readers. Despite the existence of Google Play Books, which are available on any Android tablet, the insider said that Google “doesn’t have anything like Amazon’s service” — a quote which may not make a ton of sense, but which does support the general notion of a $199 rival to the Kindle Fire.
Google tablet will indeed be co-branded with ASUS and will target Amazon, says insider originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 05:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Lego toys are probably cemented in every kid’s memory and imagination. So whenever these kids grow up, the thought of “Lego Land” remains hidden in the subconscious mind. So when we got word that Google and Lego have teamed up to develop a platform that allows users to construct anything using Lego blocks, we were thrilled. It’s called Build, and yes, it’s a Chrome experiment.
“Over the last few months we’ve been working with LEGO Australia, thinking about what would happen if we brought bricks to the browser. Build is the result: our latest Chrome Experiment which lets you explore and build a new world of LEGO creations together online. With 8 trillion bricks, think of Build as the largest LEGO set you’ve ever seen,” Google said.
Build’s Lego bricks are reportedly made with WebGL. The team then mixed Google Maps to allow users to build the ideal “Lego Land” anywhere they desire to have it constructed. And since the folks over at Google Australia started it, it’s but fitting for Build to launch in Australia first. But don’t fret, the developers said that it will be launching in other countries soon. Cheers!
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Google shows off high-resolution Chrome browser for Retina Display MacBook Pros, Google confirms arrival of Chrome for Windows 8,
It isn’t hard to get an Android 4.0 phone under $200 if you’re willing to sign your life away with a contract. Getting one that’s worthwhile at that same figure contract-free, however, requires some jumping through hoops. MediaTek must be an acrobat, as it just released the MT6577, a chip design for the most entry level of smartphones. The part’s frugal focus doesn’t keep it from stuffing in a dual-core, 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor, a PowerVR SGX series 5 for graphics and an HSPA modem for 3G. Those specifications would only have been cutting-edge in 2011, but they’re very speedy for a starter device in 2012 — fast enough to drive Google’s OS on a 720p screen while supporting 1080p video. The MT6577 is a drop-in replacement for its MT6575 ancestor, and it’s accordingly going to be used very quickly by “leading global customers” this summer. Knowing MediaTek’s most recent clients, that could soon lead to a sea of very affordable phones from Gigabyte, ZTE and others that have no problems eating an Ice Cream Sandwich.
MediaTek MT6577 helps push dual-core Android 4.0 smartphones under $200 contract-free originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 02:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Google is rolling out a new feature of Google+’s +1 button today in platform preview. Essentially, when users will hover over a +1 button, they will be able to view recommendations for other contents on their site. For instance, if users will head over to the Chrome Web Store and check out the +1 recommendations of Google’s Gmail app, they will be able to view recommended apps as well from their friends. Google pointed out that in order for the recommendations to stay relevant as much as possible, it will be referring to the pages on the same domain or subdomain.
The said feature is expected to go live to all users in the coming weeks. “We’re launching +1 recommendations! +1’ing something has always been a fun and lightweight way to engage with online content. It’s also a powerful discovery tool, making it easier for friends to find the best content by showing social annotations in search results and ads, and now we’re taking it to the next level,” Julia Farago, Engineering Manager for Google+ said. The feature is currently available via the Google+ platform preview.
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Google brings the Lego experience to Chrome browser, Google TV to host Sirius XM Radio and Howard Stern,
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