Search the Community

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Apps/Songza-470-75.jpgGoogle is chasing mood-based music streaming service Songza, according to reports on Friday. The New York Post says the web giant is looking to boost its music portfolio by adding the online radio service that allows users to pick playlists based on their mood, the time of the week, activities and more. According to the report, Google has offered in the region of $15m (around £9m, AU$16m) for the six-year-old start up, which has approximately 5.5m active users. Google, which already offers custom radio stations through its Play Music All Access service, may have focused its interest in Songza's playlist curation and recommendation algorithms. Lowballing?The firm is seeking to gain a better foothold in the streaming market as it seeks to battle the likes of iTunes Radio, Spotify, Beats Music and Pandora. It is also rumoured the company is looking to launch a dedicated YouTube streaming service at some point in the near future. Could Songza play into that? Neither company has commented on the reports, but it does seem that in this era of start-ups selling for billions, a meagre $15m bid for a relatively well-known and established service seems a bit low. We'll keep you informed should this one develop further. It's Beats Music vs Spotify in a streaming warhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b44caf1/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108174896/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b44caf1/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108174896/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b44caf1/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108174896/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b44caf1/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199108174896/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b44caf1/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199108174896/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b44caf1/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/8BJYDwHzgqc

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/events/wwdc/2014/screengrabs/icloud-drive-470-75.jpgApple kicked off its 2014 Worldwide Developers Conference with a confusing video in which app developers wondered what they looked like, followed by the announcement of Mac OS X Yosemite. Apple Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi then took the stage from Apple CEO Tim Cook to describe some of the new additions in the OS X update, including important new Mail and iCloud features. These features are known as iCloud Drive and Mail Drop, and they're Apple's answers to services like Dropbox and Google Drive. iCloud breaks down barriers"We all know that documents in the cloud provide a really convenient way for working with an app that works across all platforms," Federighi said. But iCloud has some limitations in that area, right? Not anymore, it seems. With iCloud Drive users can work right in Finder with files and documents from OS X, iOS apps and even Windows. Users can organize files in iCloud Drive using folders and tags that will be synchronized across all their devices. Drop it like it's MailFederighi said Apple "focused on the basics" for the Yosemite Mail app, including "reliable syncing, fast switching between mailboxes, [and] quick fetches of your new mail." But they also "wanted to address a fundamental problem with email;" that is, limits on attachment size. So Mail Drop lets users choose to send large attachments through iCloud instead of through their recipients' email servers. The feature apparently strips the attachment from the message and sends it through iCloud, while the message goes through the email servers as usual, and they're joined up again as they hit the recipient's inbox. Developing… Check in with our WWDC 2014 liveblog!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b15a395/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199118825988/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a395/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199118825988/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a395/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199118825988/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a395/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199118825988/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a395/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199118825988/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b15a395/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/XgQuO-Ovef0

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/Onetimers/Google%20Now%20Car%20Parking-470-75.jpgGoogle is reportedly working on expanding its Android voice search functionality with an eyes-free interface, allowing drivers to focus on the road while interacting with their phones. The initiative, apparently codenamed KITT after the artificially intelligent talking car from Knight Rider, would allow users to utter 'OK Google' to search for the weather, for news, or for directions. The feature would be an expansion of the feature offered by the Google-made Moto X, offering results in spoken form so as not to distract the user from the task at hand. According to AndroidPolice, which uncovered the plans, users would 'take turns' with the phone as it walked them through tasks like searching the web, making calls, sending texts and more. Safety firstWhen Google isn't unable to provide the information in a way the does not require the user to look at the screen, it will save the information until users can pull over and read it safely, the report claimed. The idea, naturally, is to make Android safer to use behind the wheel, with users able to access the 'OK Google' voice search feature from anywhere within the phone. With Google I/O just a few weeks away, what price we'll see this feature unveiled at Google's annual expo? Apple CarPlay: Everything you need to know about iOS in the Carhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3b0d99b1/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119229768/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0d99b1/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119229768/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0d99b1/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119229768/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0d99b1/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/199119229768/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0d99b1/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/199119229768/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3b0d99b1/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/GnXZv6YxN5g

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/TRBC/google%20divide-470-75.jpgBring-your-own-device (BYOD) firm Divide has announced that it is joining Google. The company's platform allows users to separate personal and business data on the same mobile device, using a containerized approach, giving IT administrators access to manage the business side of things. Divide is available on both Android and iOS. It offers a free basic package that gives users a split workspace and tools to manage the app and a more sophisticated package that costs $60 per user per year that provides tools for IT managers. Previous fundingThe company has twice been funded by Google Ventures, once in a 2011 Series A round of funding in which it secured $11 million from Comcast Ventures and Qualcomm and more recently in 2013 when Google Ventures led a $12 million Series B round of funding. October's funding was earmarked to accelerate growth and develop partnerships with companies such as IBM, Vodafone, Verizon and Tangoe. "We're thrilled to announce that Divide is joining Google," the firm said in an announcement on its website. "The company was founded with a simple mission: Give people the best mobile experience at work. As part of the Android team, we're excited to continue developing solutions that our users love." In its announcement, Divide thanked its supporters who have used the service and provided feedback and assured customers that the platform would continue to operate as usual. Financial terms of the deal have not been announced. How to optimise a BYOD environmenthttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3a9faf7d/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506141277/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a9faf7d/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506141277/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a9faf7d/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506141277/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a9faf7d/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506141277/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a9faf7d/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195506141277/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a9faf7d/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/mlvd5t6uklE

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/ApplevSamsung/iphone_galaxyS3-470-75.jpgApple and Google have agreed to cease all patent lawsuits pursued against each other. The rival firms have set aside their legal differences in a landmark agreement, that represents a major step towards ending the intellectual property suits that have dominated the tech headlines in recent years. The iPhone vs Android battle had seen both firms issue countless writs around the world, but now the Silicon Valley giants have vowed "to work together on some areas of patent reform." The agreement also settles the Apple vs Motorola lawsuits Google inherited when it purchased Moto back in 2011. Moto is now in the hands of Lenovo, save those disputed mobile patents. Sorry, Samsung...The twenty ditched lawsuits do not include Apple's continuing claims against Samsung over allegations the Korean firm copied innovations patented in Cupertino. Earlier this month, in the second patent trial between Apple and Samsung, a California judge imposed a $119.6m (£71m, AU$127m) fine on the latter for violation two of the former's patents. That comes after the billion dollar fine levied against Samsung in the first trial. While the Apple and Google peace accord does little to settle the beef with Samsung, it may represent the beginning of the end for the tiresome patent suits which many observers suggest have led to a downturn in tech innovation. The 10 best health and fitness accessories for your smartphoneVia Wall Street Journal http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3a866ac7/sc/21/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506105909/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a866ac7/sc/21/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506105909/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a866ac7/sc/21/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506105909/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a866ac7/sc/21/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195506105909/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a866ac7/sc/21/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195506105909/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a866ac7/sc/21/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/_7V2JybZ5ts

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/features/2013/best_android_apps-470-75.jpgGoogle has added the option for Android device owners to pay for Google Play content using their PayPal accounts. In a post on the Android Developers' blog, Google announced that users in 12 countries will now see PayPal as an option when purchasing apps, books, movies, games, music and more from the Play Store. Those countries are the United Kingdom, the United States, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and Spain. The purchases must be for digital content and cannot be used for physical goods when spending via Google Wallet. Frictionless"Our goal is to provide users with a frictionless payment experience, and this new integration is another example of how we work with partners from across the payments industry to deliver this to the user," Google wrote. The somewhat surprising move comes long after Apple enabled users to link their iTunes accounts to PayPal. Will you be switching to PayPal rather than carrier or credit card billing? Let us know your thoughts below. The 50 best Android apps of 2014http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3a79ee3c/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505987849/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a79ee3c/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505987849/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a79ee3c/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505987849/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a79ee3c/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505987849/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a79ee3c/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505987849/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a79ee3c/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/DaNcToREv10

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/Onetimers/iphone-email-470-75.jpgThe new features that Google was caught testing in its mobile Gmail client at the beginning of April could wind up in the browser version too. Google is reportedly testing adding the same features, which add up to a pretty drastic redesign, to its web-based Gmail client, according to Geek.com. The site was able to take some screenshots of the redesign, comparing it to the new mobile features that were spotted last month. This redesign could unify the Gmail experience across multiple devices, something it would likely benefit from. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/software/Google/gmail_browser_redesign_test_wrongsize-420-90.jpg Desperate measuresThe collapsible left-side interface previously used has been replaced by a drop-down that disappears when it's not in use. That takes away a lot of the clutter and gives the whole interface more breathing room everywhere on the screen. Stars have been replaced by pins, which can be filtered to the top of your inbox or left in chronological order at the press of a button. And on the right side, in addition to the collapsible Hangouts interface, is what Geek calls a to-do list that can hold message drafts, reminders and more. And these examples just scratch the surface of all the changes that could be coming to Gmail. As the site says, there's no guarantee that this redesign with roll out exactly as it's being tested, or that it will roll out at all. Google is not oblivious to the internet's hatred of change, after all. But if Google did redesign Gmail so drastically, would it really be a bad thing? Gmail is about to become more secure than everhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3a4d1caa/sc/4/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505852223/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a4d1caa/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505852223/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a4d1caa/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505852223/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a4d1caa/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505852223/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a4d1caa/sc/4/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505852223/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a4d1caa/sc/4/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/Vc0sHEK478Y

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Google/googlemaps_offline_syncing-470-75.jpgA new update to Google's iOS and Android Google Maps apps adds a flurry of new features, including some very interesting Uber integration, among other helpful additions. Google Maps users with the Uber app installed on their devices can now compare their rides directly with public transit and walking routes "in some cities," Google Software Engineering Manager Jeffrey Hightower wrote in a blog post. In addition users can choose a destination in Google Maps, then jump straight to the Uber app with a single tap. Those long-entrenched and violently stubborn taxi companies must really be loving this update. Like Yelp, but GoogleThis is actually the biggest Google Maps update in some time, and in addition to Uber integration it adds a number of features that make the app more useful for everything from driving to work to finding a place to drink. For the former, the Google Maps app will now tell you what lane to be in, so you'll never miss a turn or exit; and alternate routes are now easier to access. As far as the latter, Google Maps now lets users browse restaurants, bars and other businesses by opening hours, ratings, prices, and more, much like Yelp. Always be preparedPerhaps more importantly, the Google Maps apps now let you easily save maps for offline use by tapping on locations, opening up their info cards and selecting "save map to use offline." Saved maps will sync between devices, so you can - for example - save every landmark in your foreign vacation destination in your browser, sync those saved maps to your phone, and then navigate them with data turned off to avoid roaming charges once you get there. They've even added interiors to some locations in Street View mode so you can explore inside before you arrive. Finally Google Maps now has improved transit directions, according to Hightower, whose name is straight out of Game of Thrones. He wrote that Google Maps now features over a million public transit stops, and users can now specify when they want to depart or even choose the "last train home." 10 things we expect from Google IO 2014http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3a20c3cf/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505655750/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20c3cf/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505655750/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20c3cf/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505655750/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20c3cf/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505655750/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20c3cf/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505655750/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20c3cf/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/qt9olxs_XFA

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/software/Google/Google_Now_product_reminders-470-75.jpgBuying products online is the ultimate convenience, but nothing beats traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores when it comes to immediate gratification, especially when your Android smartphone can now be set to remind you about future purchases. Google today updated its Search app with a bevy of new features for owners of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean or later smartphones and tablets, which includes a new option that will make it easier to remember what to buy next time you're out and about. In addition to faster startup and the recently announced parking location beta, Google Search for Android now notifies users when they're near a retail store offering one or more items they've recently been searching for. Those search results will appear as Google Now reminder card, complete with product details and pricing sorted by where the item is available in your vicinity, even if you happen to have forgotten you wanted it in the first place. Out and aboutGoogle Search announced the new feature on its Google+ account with the example of shopping online for "the perfect pair of hiking boots," which would pop up as a reminder next time you happen to be "near a store that carries those boots." At least for now, shoppers will need to actually walk into the store to confirm the item(s) are in stock, but location-based product reminders could be a great new way for retailers to convert Google search results into purchases. Google Now also offers retailers a competitive edge against web-only giants like Amazon, where a so-called impulse buy winds up getting stymied by having to wait two or more days for the product to actually arrive. The latest Google Search for Android update also includes new mall store directories as well as the ability to view cards when an internet connection is lost, and is now available from Google Play. Dive into our exhaustive review of the new Samsung Galaxy S5!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3a20b62e/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505654233/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20b62e/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505654233/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20b62e/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505654233/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20b62e/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505654233/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20b62e/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505654233/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3a20b62e/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/d8s_TLcDKjs

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/Onetimers/Google%20Now%20Car%20Parking-470-75.jpgLost your car and have no idea where you parked? Google has rolled out a fresh Google Now update that adds parking reminders so users will never forget where they left their ride. In a new blog post, the search company detailed that automatic parking reminder cards will start appearing for users who assign driving as their main form of transportation in Google Now. The automatic parking detection marks a location as soon as users leave a moving vehicle. Additionally the Google Now will plant a marker after leaving a friend's car and whenever users step off a bus. Previously, the Google owned Waze has allowed users to mark their parking spaces manually but this new update adds some automatic integration. This isn't the first time Google has integrated Waze features into Google now, in March the Mountain View company also added traffic updates from Waze. A bevy of improvementsAlong with automatic parking reminders, the search company has tweaked Google Now to let users access phone settings using their voice. Users can simply command the phone to turn on Wi-Fi or change the volume settings. Users will still have to touch their screens to switch on Airplane <ode, but the addition of voice control jumps directly into the settings without extra steps of draging down the notifications page and selecting the option. Speaking of Airplane Mode, the new update makes it so all your Google Now cards get wiped on the tarmac. Instead. users will now get a notification informing them the last time their Google Now cards were updated leaving whatever news stories and weather updates the device last pulled. In a few last, smaller tweaks Google Now's reminder list has been separated into more distinguishable upcoming and past blocks. Google has also made it easier to access your Nicknames by digging into your "Account & Privacy" settings. How does Google Now compare with Siri and Cortana?http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/39f7960c/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505480201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f7960c/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505480201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f7960c/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505480201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f7960c/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505480201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f7960c/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505480201/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39f7960c/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/iE3vtwSnsHs

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/Amazon/comixology1-470-75.jpgWell it was probably only a matter of time, but Amazon has dropped in-app purchase functionality for the Comixology iOS app and halted purchases through Google Play within the Android app. The wildly popular digital comics app was snapped up by Amazon for an undisclosed fee earlier this month and the firm has wasted no effort in giving the app the Kindle treatment. The app updates, released this weekend, are designed to ensure Amazon will not have to fork over 30 per cent of every purchase made through the apps to Apple and Google. However the move makes things less convenient for iOS users, who will now need to buy Comixology.com website before downloading to mobile devices. Android users must sign up to the new PayPal or credit card payment system, as opposed to Google Play, before they can continue purchasing from within the Comixology app. Striking a balanceAs if to compensate, the app update also offers a $5 (around £3, AU$5.40) credit for all existing users. In a statement Comixology's VP of Communications and Marketing Chip Mosher told Engadget: "As we move to complete the acquisition with Amazon, we are shifting to the web-based purchasing model they've successfully used with the Kindle, which we expect will allow us to strike the best balance between prices, selection and customer experience." Mosher pointed out that iOS users can easily add the web store to their device's homescreen, while claimed purchasing through the site would offer additional benefits such as access to web-only bundles. http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/39cfc410/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505290641/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39cfc410/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505290641/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39cfc410/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505290641/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39cfc410/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505290641/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39cfc410/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505290641/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39cfc410/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/zXtd8A3aIas

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Android/OK_Google_reprdroduction_Android_police-470-75.jpgRumours suggest Google has big changes afoot for its Android operating system, which could involve expanding voice command functionality beyond the search. Android Police has word the 'OK Google' feature within the Android Google Search app may become universal across core apps. The site, which doesn't say where it came by the information, believes users one day be able share photos in the Gallery app, or reply to Gmail messages by summoning the 'OK Google' commands. The presence of the functionality would be represented by a red lower case 'g,' the site claims, showing off the feature in a series of images produced base on its information. The development is still in the early stages of development and may only appear on Nexus and Google Play Edition devices, the site says. New Google button too?Beyond that AndroidPolice believes another big UI change is on the way, with the introduction of a new Navigation Bar. According to the report, the new ever-preset on screen controls would now feature a 'Google' button, rather than the traditional Home button. Hitting that would "trigger a search wherever you are" according to the report. How users would get back to their homescreen, if the change was made, was not revealed. The site has some fantastic, and super-professional looking mock ups of how it believes the feature may end up looking (such as the one we've borrowed). Follow the source link above for a closer look. Google I/O 2014: What we expecthttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/39c8dbb7/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505264085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39c8dbb7/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505264085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39c8dbb7/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505264085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39c8dbb7/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505264085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39c8dbb7/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505264085/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/39c8dbb7/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/Jh79F-V-O-Y

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Android/KitKat/Android_KitKat-470-75.jpgGoogle has dropped a major hint that the next incremental update to its Android KitKat mobile OS will arrive imminently. The firm has issued an update for its Google Edu Device Set-Up app, which is geared at helping schools set up Android tablets for students. While it reveals nothing about the nature of the update, the app does promise support for the as-yet-unannounced Android 4.4.3 update. Just last week the Sprint network in the United States also appeared to confirm an update was on the way, but has since removed any references to it. Bug swatterThe Android 4.4.3 update isn't expected to furnish smartphone and tablet users with any new features, but it should nuke a number of bugs and bring the requisite performance enhancements. Some using the current version of Android KitKat (4.4.2) have been experiencing random reboots, issues with Bluetooth connectivity and problems with automatic connections to Wi-Fi. We'll let you know for sure when the update drops. Google Android Wear: What you need to know about the wearable-friendly OShttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3994b542/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505038596/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3994b542/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505038596/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3994b542/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505038596/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3994b542/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/195505038596/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3994b542/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/195505038596/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3994b542/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/8IhxCm9yunk

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/ApplevSamsung/appleiphone_samsungs3-470-75.jpgGoogle has done its best to stay out of Apple and Samsung's legal squabbles, but came to the aid of its Android partner in the second patent trial between the rivals, on Friday. The company's VP of Android Engineering Hiroshi Lockheimer took the stand in California to defend copycat allegations from Apple, which claims Samsung stole its ideas. The thrust of the argument is that Google used specific features - like universal search - on devices like the Galaxy Nexus before Apple patented them. "We liked to have our own identity, we liked to have our own ideas," Lockheimer told the court. "We were very passionate about what we were doing, and it was important that we have our own ideas." 'Doing our own thing'"People tend to think of Google as a big company, but we were a small team," he added. "We were autonomous, and the company let us do our own thing." Apple rested its case earlier on Friday. The company is seeking $2.91 billion (£1.73, AU$3.07) in damages from Samsung relating to five patents it claims the Korean firm infringed. Samsung will continue its defence against the allegations on Monday. The case is follows a length battle in front of the same judge in 2012, which saw Apple awards a billion dollars. Samsung Galaxy S5: Read our full reviewhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3947f65a/sc/5/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480059983/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3947f65a/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480059983/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3947f65a/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480059983/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3947f65a/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194480059983/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3947f65a/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/194480059983/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3947f65a/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/9Ur5aUsWXio

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/Google/Google_Heartbleed-470-75.jpgIt's likely to be a long week for IT professionals dealing with the aftermath of Heartbleed, the OpenSSL security flaw discovered earlier this week - but Team Google appears to have a good handle on it for now. The Google Online Security Blog today announced patches to many key Google services affected by Heartbleed, the security bug discovered Monday that potentially allows for theft of data typically protected by SSL/TLS encryption. "We've assessed this vulnerability and applied patches to key Google services such as Search, Gmail, YouTube, Wallet, Play, Apps, and App Engine. Google Chrome and Chrome OS are not affected," explained Google Product Manager Matthew O'Connor in a blog post Wednesday. The company's security experts are still working to patch "some other Google services" affected by CVE-2014-0160, the official name for the OpenSSL flaw which has been dubbed "Heartbleed." Android immunityGoogle's security team also made it clear today that the Android operating system is largely immune to Heartbleed, with the exception of Android 4.1.1, although the company is already distributing a patch to partners for that version. Google Cloud Platform and Google Search Appliance customers are also having Heartbleed purged from their services, with an update on the latter expected to arrive within 24 hours for enterprise customers. Security engineers are also currently busy patching Cloud SQL, with fixes expected to roll out Wednesday and Thursday; in the meantime, Google has posted instructions on how to whitelist IP addresses to prevent unknown hosts from accessing them. Although many companies are encouraging users to reset their passwords, security experts recommend waiting until fixes are in place to eradicate the Heartbleed flaw; the status of any domain name can be checked absolutely free from the Qualys SSL Labs website. View a glimpse of the future with our Google Glass review!http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/392df754/sc/15/mf.gif http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479977049/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/392df754/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479977049/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/392df754/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479977049/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/392df754/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/194479977049/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/392df754/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/194479977049/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/392df754/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/tYyY8W9G904

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/televisions/Android_TV_screenshot_leak_verge-470-75.jpgGoogle is preparing to put the Google TV era behind it and move forward with a new, more straightforward Android-flavoured venture, according to purported leaked documents published this weekend. The as-yet-unnanounced Android TV platform, according to the documents, aims to put content front and centre, rather than aim to transform television with the all encompassing bells and whistles approach. The documents obtained by The Verge, alongside images of the new platform, claim "Android TV is an entertainment interface, not a computing platform. "It's all about finding and enjoying content with the least amount of friction," which Google also claiming it'll be "cinematic, fun, fluid, and fast." Rejoining the packThe screenshots seem to show an interface that's similar to the Apple TV set top box, which runs on a version of iOS, with large, easy to navigate cards dominating the display. As well as the stock movie and TV apps, there'll also be all of those popular Android gaming and communication apps like Hangouts, according to the alleged screenshots. Judging by the images it appears Google has abandoned its plans to totally revolutionise television by integrating live TV and online on-demand content. If Android TV does come to fruition it seems Google is more than happy to rejoin the pack of streaming set top boxes. Hands on with the Amazon Fire TV set-top boxhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/390c4ea2/sc/5/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.png http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360948789/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/390c4ea2/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360948789/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/390c4ea2/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360948789/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/390c4ea2/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360948789/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/390c4ea2/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/193360948789/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/390c4ea2/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/FBt413VeE0k

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/AU%20News/GoogleOpinionRewards-470-75.jpgGoogle has finally opened up its Google Opinion Rewards app for Aussies, Canadians and those in the UK, letting you earn Play store credit by answering surveys. The app first appeared in the US late last year, offering users Google Play store credit for every survey completed. The surveys are pretty quick with between one to three questions asked, and for every survey completed, Google Play store says you can receive up to the local equivalent of US$1, though you'll mostly encounter rewards of about 25 cents. Cheap moneyAfter downloading the app, the setup is fairly quick, with the app asking you to log in with your Google account. Then you'll need to enter your gender, age group, post code and occupation, as well as a handful of other questions before you can start earning Play credit. The app will send you a notification when a new survey becomes available, but with surveys appearing about once a week, don't expect to earn enough credit to, for example, offset your in-app purchasing habits. Still, it's a nice way of getting some Google Play credit by doing very little. The app can be downloaded in Australia, Canada and the UK from today. Here's what you should expect from Google in 2014Via: Ausdroid http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/38fe462e/sc/4/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.pnghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/giLPPgGUHzM

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Google/nexus5/Nexus%205%20Review/nexus-5-review-50-470-75.jpgGoogle may be plotting a new premium support initiative centred around selected Android devices, according to rumours on Wednesday. AndroidPolice has obtained internal Google documents explaining an 'Android Silver' programme, which could feature a maximum of five devices running the latest version of Android, and very few UI changes. Those who sign up, according to the report, would be entitled to set-up support from well-trained staff at carrier stores, as well as help transferring data and making their first purchase on the Play Store. After leaving the store, Android Silver members would have access to a Hangout Assistant (like Amazon's Mayday) who could answer questions and troubleshoot problems 24/7, the leaked document says. Never LostThe rumour, which purportedly originates from documents shown to Google employees in December, also speaks of a Never Lost feature, which would allow Android Silver members to track and wipe their device. Beyond that, the suggested Never Lost feature would help users navigate back to their lost device, remote back up data and even offer a loaner phone until the old one could be found or replaced. The concierge-style service is by no means certain to happen. The originator of the report gives it a "6/10" in the rumour stakes, but it's certainly interesting to see Google thinking about upping its support game. The insistence on up to date Android and limited UI changes could perhaps encourage OEMs to act promptly when pushing updates, in order to be part of Google's premium range. That of course, would help to ease Android's problem with crippling fragmentation. Right now, it all remains conjecture. Interesting conjecture, but conjecture nonetheless. Android is coming to your wrist, so you better get learned on Google Wearhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/38eb2207/sc/15/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.png http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360869496/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38eb2207/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360869496/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38eb2207/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360869496/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38eb2207/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360869496/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38eb2207/sc/15/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/193360869496/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38eb2207/sc/15/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/_0XXXX1nnO4

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/HTC/HTC_OneM8/HandsOn2/HTC%20One%20M8%20review%20(9)-470-75.JPGSmartphone manufacturers suckling on the teat of Google's open source Android software must now give the creator supreme some credit if it wishes to continue using the operating system's key apps. According to Geek.com, Google has thrown down a mandate requiring mobile makers to feature the words 'powered by Android' on the boot up screen in exchange for access to the Google Mobile Services suite. The GMS stable of course includes essential services like the Google Play store, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, You Tube and the rest of those created by the hard-working folks at Mountain View. Those who choose not to give the Devil his due, won't have access the core Google apps, kind of like the Amazon Kindle Fire range. Whipping 'em into shapeThe report comes after eagle-eyed reporters spotted the 'powered by Android message when powering up the new HTC One (M8) following its launch earlier this week. It also appears on the new Samsung Galaxy S5's boot-up screen. A document sent by Google to Android manufacturers says the boot screen logo must be given "appropriate clear space" and it is advised that the logo takes up no less than 40 per cent of the width of the screen. Judging by this move it appears that Google is once again attempting to whip Android device makers into shape rather than giving them a completely free hand to use the software as they wish. Earlier this year, the company upped its efforts to do away with fragmentation by refusing to grant GMS approval for phones running on older version of the software. Got apps? Here's the 50 best Android apps of 2014http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/38bd2cd6/sc/5/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.png http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360684615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38bd2cd6/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360684615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38bd2cd6/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360684615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38bd2cd6/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/193360684615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38bd2cd6/sc/5/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/193360684615/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/38bd2cd6/sc/5/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/qgRqRXGdgi0

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Google/GoogleNow/Google_Now_Android_search-470-75.jpgWhile the big news today is Google Now officially arriving within the Chrome web browser, the company has also taken the opportunity to announce a new feature for the Android Google Search app. On Monday evening, Google announced Waze data has been integrated with Google Search, bringing users automatic, live traffic updates for users. The idea is to give folks a heads-up, via a notification, if delays are being experienced on regular commutes before they hit the traffic jam. This, of course, will allow them to seek alternate routes. "You know the feeling," wrote the firm on its Google+ page. "You're just miles from home when all of a sudden you see brake lights ahead—a sure sign of an incident on the road. Starting today, you'll have a better chance of making it around the traffic. Cruising the back roads"With the latest update to the GoogleSearch app for Android, Google Now will send you a notification if you're likely to hit a traffic incident along your drive—without you even having to ask. That way, you can get off at that earlier exit and cruise through the back roads." Google acquired the crowd-sourced Waze app last summer for over a billion dollars. It's first act of business was to bring traffic updates within Google Now, but today's move makes the updates accessible for those users running older version of Android who don't have the personal assistant app baked into their devices. Android 4.4 KitKat reviewhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3890cd6c/sc/15/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.png http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801953588/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3890cd6c/sc/15/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801953588/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3890cd6c/sc/15/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801953588/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3890cd6c/sc/15/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801953588/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3890cd6c/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/191801953588/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3890cd6c/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/Cmx7hmyvnIM

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/mobile_phones/Apps/android/Play_Music_Feeling_Lucky-470-75.jpgAs much as we love the big hardware announcements, ground-breaking innovations and big product launches, sometimes it's the little things that bring the biggest smile to tech fans' faces. One of those aforementioned small pleasures is Google's latest addition to its Search app for Android. Users can now hit the microphone and utter the words 'play some music,' and the app will oblige by launching the 'I'm feeling lucky' Radio service, which plays songs at random based on previous habits. You'll need Google Play Music app installed for this to be a goer, but still... More blips!Ask and you shall receive. Here's some further blippage. From Gotham to the big Apple? Is Christian Bale going to play Steve?Ashton Kutcher is the new face of LenovoFunny or Die is making a Steve Jobs bio-pic as wellhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/387e1167/sc/5/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.png http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801531481/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/387e1167/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801531481/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/387e1167/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801531481/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/387e1167/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801531481/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/387e1167/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/191801531481/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/387e1167/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/ZsN0AHSMrdc

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/internet/Google/Gmail/Gmail_icon-470-75.jpgGmail is about to become more secure than ever, Google says, as it introduces its most comprehensive encryption yet. All Gmail emails will now be encrypted with HTTPS as they move between you and Gmail's servers, as well as when they move among Gmail's data centers internally, the search company wrote in a blog post. Google said that internal security became especially important "after last summer's revelations," presumably referring to the Gmail privacy concerns that cropped up in August 2013. Google says it's supported HTTPS since day one, and in 2010 it made it the default encryption option. But now 100 percent of Gmail messages will be encrypted with HTTPS. Speaking of percentagesGoogle also reported that Gmail was available to users for 99.978% of 2013, amounting to less than two hours of downtime for each individual user. And as always the company is working to improve reliability and security whenever possible, it said. "Your email is important to you, and making sure it stays safe and always available is important to us," Gmail Security Engineering Lead Nicolas Lidzborski wrote in the blog post. He continued, "As you go about your day reading, writing, and checking messages, there are tons of security measures running behind the scenes to keep your email safe, secure, and there whenever you need it." Security had better be a priority when it comes to Google Glasshttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/386c25d8/sc/4/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.png http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801556115/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/386c25d8/sc/4/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801556115/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/386c25d8/sc/4/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801556115/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/386c25d8/sc/4/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801556115/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/386c25d8/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/191801556115/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/386c25d8/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/u720Ijy17NQ

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/other/AU%20News/Tenplay%20Android-470-75.jpgNetwork Ten has finally released it's catch-up TV app Tenplay for Android, though the company had initially planned for a late 2013 availability for Google's OS. Launched Septmeber last year, Tenplay was initially available for iOS, Sony Bravia TVs, Windows 8, Xbox 360, and was also accessible through browsers. Currently, however, it's Android presence is limited to smartphones, with Network Ten saying that a tablet app will be available later this month. Ten catches upAs well as a catch-up service, the app is also able to live stream content and offers a "continuous play feature", allowing you to move between devices without losing your spot in the middle of a show. You can also create personalised playlists, set up reminders for shows, and access a complete TV guide. While the move to Android should make watching The Simpsons easier for a lot of users, Network Ten is also currently developing an Windows Phone app The Android Tenplay app for smartphones is now available free from the Google Play store. If you want more catch-up TV options, here's our review of the ABC's iview apphttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/3841fa87/sc/5/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.png http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801647667/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3841fa87/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801647667/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3841fa87/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801647667/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3841fa87/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191801647667/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3841fa87/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/191801647667/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/3841fa87/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/9SXKc_p7tJ8

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/televisions/Google/Chromecast/chromecast-470-75.jpgAfter months of waiting and procrastinating, the long-awaited Google Chromecast streaming dongle will finally go on sale in the UK this coming Wednesday 19 March, according to leaked retail inventory. Hours after a retail source told TechRadar the HDMI stick would be going on sale "very soon," a leaked screenshot, purportedly from Dixons' internal systems, emerged showing the actual launch date. The screenshot obtained by Android Police explains how stock of the device is showing up at retail locations, but "must not go on sale before 9am on Wednesday." Just yesterday, a Twitter user posted an NDA-smashing photo of "a box of Chromecasts," apparently from a Curry's or PC World store. Unsurprisingly, the picture has since been deleted. Google recently updated the Chromecast Android app with support for over 50 languages, seemingly signalling that the international roll-out is imminent. Worth the wait?The update comes after the retail source strongly hinted the device would be on sale for £30. It costs $35 (around £21) in the United States. Brits will seemingly have to pay a little more for the privilege of owning a Chromecast dongle. Will you be snapping up Google's streaming stick this week? Is it worth the wait? Let us know in the comments section below? To tide you over, check out TechRadar's Chromecast reviewhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/383e7b59/sc/21/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.pnghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/gImSfPO7xoM

http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/art/features/google%20now%20launcher/header-image-2-470-75.jpgGoogle Now Launcher has arrived, but you will be forgiven if you don't know much about it. We are scratching our heads as to why Google Now Launcher was actually launched with minimal fanfare and a low-profile Google+ post. All we can say is: don't let the low-key launch fool you as this is one of Google's most important apps in years. Not only is the new Google Now Launcher a cracking bit of software, it's also the future of Android. It is also a little bit of a secret - not much is know about Google Now Launcher and some are confused as to why you would actually need it on your phone. That's why we have tried the launcher for ourselves and are here to tell you everything you need to know about the app that adds more Google to your Android phone... What exactly is Google Now Launcher?On an Android phone, the launcher is basically the maître d': it's the bit of software that welcomes you onto the phone, is in charge of the home screen, and does the behind-the-scenes launching of any apps. It's in charge of the layout of arguably the most important and frequently seen bits of the operating system, and as such is quite important. It also tends to vary a fair bit between different Android-running phones. Vanilla Android, as released by Google, has a 'stock' launcher, but most third-party manufacturers like Samsung, Sony or HTC tend to use a software 'skin' on top of Android, which changes a bunch of things, including the launcher. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/features/google%20now%20launcher/launchers-420-90.jpg But, because this is Android, switching your launcher is pretty easy – hustle over to the Play Store, and there's innumerable free launchers just vying for your attention. The Google Now Launcher, then, isn't a unique app – it goes in to bat against an already established market of other options, like the venerable Nova and Apex launchers that were around back when phones had trackballs and short trousers. Where the Google Now Launcher is different is that it's the first time Google's released the stock Android launcher for download on the Play Store (with some caveats, which we'll mention later). This means that anyone with a device running Android 4.x can have the same experience that's previously only been available on the Nexus 5. For those who need Google *Now*The Google Now Launcher does pretty much what it says on the tin – it puts Google's personal assistant-cum-mind-reader, Now, front and centre on your phone. Google Now, in case you're not familiar, is the Google service that is meant to give you personalised information, without you even having to ask for it, in the form of 'cards' that pop up in your notification tray. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/features/google%20now%20launcher/google-now-swipe-420-90.jpg Now has existed on every Android device since July 2012 and Android 4.1, but to access it, you have to hold the home button, then swipe your thumb upwards: not exactly the most taxing gesture, truth be told, but it means that you only discover Google Now if you're specifically looking for it. The Now Launcher changes that: your cards are now accessible through a simple left-swipe from your main homescreen page (which, by complete coincidence, is exactly how Spotlight search used to be accessed in iOS). It's a minor cosmetic change, for sure, but it makes Now far more prominent in the Android operating system, and is a clear sign that Google sees Now as being a tool for the general public, not the tech-blog-frequenting minority. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/features/google%20now%20launcher/google-now-voice-420-90.jpg It's not all cosmetic changes, though. The biggest functional change the Now Launcher brings to the table is an always-on voice capability, like that found in the MotoX. Rather than having to tap a mic button to initiate voice command (as you had to do previously in Android), just preface your question with "Okay Google", and you can query the world's biggest search engine with whatever's bugging you. Sadly, it's not quite as integrated as the Moto X's Touchless Control features: because the voice commands are a function of the Now Launcher, which is essentially an app. It only works when that app is open on your phone – i.e. when the phone's unlocked, and on the home screen. The Moto X's Touchless Control, by contrast, is at your beck and call even when the phone's locked, or if you're in another app. The voice recognition itself is just as fantastic, though: it handles British accents rather well, and the time lag between finishing speaking and bringing up the results is lightning-fast. Just like Siri, you're not limited to simple web searches, either – ask "Okay Google, what's my schedule like tomorrow?", and your phone will list exactly how many meetings you have to sit through. Finally, if you're on an earlier version of Android than 4.4, the Google Now Launcher also means that you get lots of the 4.4 bells and whistles – transparent menu options, and a user experience that's generally a little faster and slicker. What's good for you is good for GoogleAs significant as the Now Launcher is for you and me, it's an even bigger statement of Google's vision for Android down the line. The vast majority of the code for the Google Now Launcher isn't actually contained in the Launcher app, but rather in the Google Search app (the Launcher app is basically just an empty shell with a few lines of code that redirects everything to the Search app). That's a huge deal, because third-party manufacturers have to include the Search app on Android if they want to include any Google apps at all. That, in turn, means that down the line, almost every Android phone will have to ship with the stock Android experience installed – sure, it might not be the default launcher, but it's the work of moments to enable it. That follows the trend of Google trying to re-Googlify the Android experience – the integration of SMS into the Hangouts app, and the release of the stock keyboard on the Play Store were the opening shots, but forcing manufacturers to include the core Android launcher on every device? That's the full broadside. How to install itAll that said, at the moment, if you want the Google Now Launcher (and you should – it's faster, slicker and more feature-packed than whatever you're running at the moment), you'll have to do a little work. For those of you with a Nexus device, or other Google Play Edition phone, it's easy enough – just downloadthis app from the Play Store, and Bob's your (slightly more Googlified) uncle. http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/art/features/google%20now%20launcher/google-now-how-to-420-90.jpg For everyone else, the Now Launcher isn't officially supported, so you have to jump through one, very small, hoop. Make sure your version of Google Search is up-to-date on your phone, then download this file onto your computer. Hook up your phone to your computer with a USB cable, transfer the file across, then use a file browser on your phone to open the Google Now Launcher APK. Once that's all done, you just have to go to Settings > Home, and select the Google Now Launcher as the default. Happy searching! Here's TechRadar's guide to the 10 best Android launchers out nowhttp://rss.feedsportal.com/c/669/f/415085/s/37f74c60/sc/5/mf.gifhttp://res3.feedsportal.com/social/twitter.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/facebook.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/linkedin.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/googleplus.png http://res3.feedsportal.com/social/email.png http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191800953635/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/37f74c60/sc/5/rc/1/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191800953635/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/37f74c60/sc/5/rc/2/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191800953635/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/37f74c60/sc/5/rc/3/rc.img http://da.feedsportal.com/r/191800953635/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/37f74c60/a2.imghttp://pi.feedsportal.com/r/191800953635/u/49/f/415085/c/669/s/37f74c60/a2t.imghttp://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/software-news/~4/ok34nwV7V7Y