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Android |OT3| This thread is incompatible with all of your devices.

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M

mturco

Member
Verge guys (or at least Verge Mobile guys) are laughing at the idea that people think they are under NDA about the Nexus 5. They could just be saying that of course, but if they're not, what the hell is Google doing?
 
H

Hazaro

relies on auto-aim
Made sure my info and CC was up to date so I can breeze though Play Store checkout.

Dumb questions:
In your opinion would one need a screen protector for a phone with Gorilla Glass 3? (I carry my phone with pens). And if so, which would you recommend?
I want a case that has a rotating and ratcheting mechanism in the middle of it so I can change the angles it rests at both landscape and portrait. What is this called (GoogleFu failed me)
 
E

Empyrean Heaven

Member
So I'm between the G2 and S4 for my upgrade next month. Would love the N5 but I'm on a company plan and they don't allow me to bring my own device. Which should I go with?
 
M

mturco

Member
Vyse The Legend said:
For once, I think the Internet isn't.

It's Androids... And KitKats.

Also, that comment coming from you of all people is highly offensive, haha.
Click to expand...

He works at Google and they have a partnership with KitKat. I don't think him uploading that picture makes it anymore likely 4.4 gets announced tomorrow. In fact, he has said in the past that he thinks it's hilarious how people tie every single one of his posts back to Android and the Nexus 5.
 
J

Jazzy Network

Member
GodDuckman said:
So I'm between the G2 and S4 for my upgrade next month. Would love the N5 but I'm on a company plan and they don't allow me to bring my own device. Which should I go with?
Click to expand...

Probably the G2 if you can stand the awful LG UI. The features more than make up for it and everyone says it has amazing battery life.
 
V

Vyse The Legend

Member
mturco said:
He works at Google and they have a partnership with KitKat. I don't think him uploading that picture makes it anymore likely 4.4 gets announced tomorrow. In fact, he has said in the past that he thinks it's hilarious how people tie every single one of his posts back to Android and the Nexus 5.
Click to expand...

Sure, but it's still coming tomorrow or Friday. Coincidence or not.
 
T

ThatObviousUser

ὁ αἴσχιστος παῖς εἶ
Vyse The Legend said:
For once, I think the Internet isn't.

It's Androids... And KitKats.

Also, that comment coming from you of all people is highly offensive, haha.
Click to expand...

KuGsj.gif
Yeah I guess. I don't know, if that was posted on like October 1 we would have gotten some "awwww shiznit!"s from people and you would have been like "He's just talking about candy guys, obviously excited about the KitKat partnership."

Granted, I do agree it's likely the N5 will go on sale tomorrow. But I think his post was likely coincidental. It is Halloween tomorrow, after all.
 
V

Vyse The Legend

Member
mturco said:
Oh agreed. I just think it's funny (and getting to be borderline obnoxious) how everyone thinks everything is a "sign" and Google "trolling" us.
Click to expand...

That got obnoxious a week ago when Reddit started analyzing KitKats social media posts looking for signs. Nothing new.

Andrex said:
KuGsj.gif
Yeah I guess. I don't know, if that was posted on like October 1 we would have gotten some "awwww shiznit!"s from people and you would have been like "He's just talking about candy guys, obviously excited about the KitKat partnership."

Granted, I do agree it's likely the N5 will go on sale tomorrow. But I think his post was likely coincidental. It is Halloween tomorrow, after all.
Click to expand...

Indeed. It's semantics, at this point. If the announcement does happen tomorrow, then everyone will think his post was a sign, even if it was just a coincidence. There's no way to tell, unless Matias says so or the announcement doesn't happen.
 
G

gutshot

Member
Some KitKat info from a well-connected former WSJ reporter...

The launch of Google Inc.’s Android KitKat, the next version of the most widely used operating software for smartphones and tablets, is drawing near. Google executives haven’t announced a release date but people who have been briefed on KitKat say that it is coming soon.

There have been several reports about KitKat’s likely features based on leaked screenshots and leaked photos of the Nexus 5 smartphone that will be the first device to show off those features. But we’ve reviewed a confidential file that Google shared with companies that make Android devices to explain the most important new features. (A Google spokeswoman didn’t respond to requests for comment.) Here’s what we know.

One Android to rule them all?

With KitKat, Google has worked even harder to address one of Android’s biggest disadvantages versus Apple: less than half of Android devices are running the latest version of the software, called “Jelly Bean,” which was released in summer 2012. Nearly two-thirds of Apple devices already are running the latest version of its iOS software, released last month, the company has said.

This Android fragmentation makes it tougher for Android app developers to run the latest versions of their services across all Android devices. Some earlier releases of Android were better suited to higher-end devices that have more memory capacity for all the newest features. As a result, cheaper phone makers sometimes ended up using older versions of Android.

The document about KitKat that we reviewed, marked “confidential,” makes clear that Google wants its new software to work well on low-end phones in addition to the more expensive Samsung Galaxy and HTC devices.

KitKat “optimizes memory use in every major component” and provides “tools to help developers create memory-efficient applications” for “entry-level devices,” such as those that have 512 megabytes of memory, according to the document.

Google has long sought ways to help make the newest versions of Android compatible with low-cost devices, the kind that are proliferating in developing countries with the help of manufacturers like Huawei, ZTE, and others. This time Google has been more proactive with makers of lower-memory devices, said people who have been briefed on that matter.
Questions remain about whether the effort will bear fruit. In many markets, wireless carriers don’t do a good job of pushing software upgrades to existing Android devices that already have been sold.

The improvements for low-memory devices also could help the software to better power wearable-computing devices.

Wearing it proudly

The KitKat release shows that Google is preparing for the rise of wearable-computing devices. According to the confidential document, KitKat is expected to support three new types of sensors: geomagnetic rotation vector, step detector and step counter.
These features are likely geared for forthcoming Android-powered smartwatch made by Google and possibly the company’s head-mounted Google Glass, as well as non-Google devices. Android smartphone apps that track people’s fitness also could get a boost from the new feature as more manufacturers pack motion sensors into devices.

There is another potential benefit to Android from supporting these kinds of sensors: Google will be able to tell how far someone walked based on the steps they took. That could come in handy as Google tries to map more indoor locations such as malls and airports, where GPS and WiFi sensors don’t always do a good enough job of pinpointing exactly where a smartphone user is located. It also could improve the walking directions that people use on Google Maps.

Another crack at NFC

KitKat will allow developers to create services to allow phones to “emulate” physical cards that let people make payments, earn loyalty rewards, enter secure buildings and public-transit system, according to the confidential document. But it’s unclear whether the change will spur growth in the area.

Google has been a huge proponent of Near-Field Communication technology, which allows phones to exchange data with other devices over distances of a few inches. The technology enables people to pay for things at stores with their phones, among other users. But the technology hasn’t gotten much adoption from app developers, nor has Apple embedded it in the iPhone.

On Android, adoption was slowed in part because developers couldn’t create apps that emulated what physical cards do in the real world without first getting permission from wireless carriers, says Einar Rosenberg, chief executive of Creating Revolutions, which makes NFC-based apps. That’s because carriers control a part of the phone called the “secure element” where a card owner’s personal information is stored.

According to the KitKat marketing materials, developers will be able to emulate cards without keeping people’s information stored in the secure element.

The biggest question mark about the feature is where the personal information will be stored without running the risk of getting manipulated or stolen by hackers, Mr. Rosenberg says.

Control the TV

Google wants your Android device to be a remote control. The next version of Android lets developers build apps that control TVs, tuners, switches and other devices by sending infrared signals.

Samsung and HTC devices already have built-in infrared “blasters” and both companies used a company called Peel to design an app that can control TVs. But KitKat will help developers avoid having to write different apps for different hardware makers because there will now be a standard way for all apps to tell the Android device to activate the blasters.

Bluetooth boost

Google wants Android apps to be able to interact with a wide variety of devices using Bluetooth technology. Those devices include joysticks, keyboards, and in-car entertainment systems. In KitKat, new support for something called Bluetooth HID over GATT and Bluetooth Message Access Profile will allow Android to talk to more devices than before.

We have oodles more details about Android KitKat but much of it is too technical to describe here. Find me on Twitter or Google+ if you have questions about features that will be included in the release.
Click to expand...
 
A

AranhaHunter

Banned
2 questions:

1) Any chance we get more chromecast apps and/or they finally release an official SDK for it with KitKat announcement?
2) We know about Nexus 5, are they announcing the Nexus 10 as well? Who is rumored to be making the N10?
 
V

Vyse The Legend

Member
AranhaHunter said:
2 questions:

1) Any chance we get more chromecast apps and/or they finally release an official SDK for it with KitKat announcement?
2) We know about Nexus 5, are they announcing the Nexus 10 as well? Who is rumored to be making the N10?
Click to expand...

1) It's possible, but doubtful. The Pandora app does have Chromecast code in the latest update, though, but it won't work until Google authorizes the app.

2) Nexus 10 will likely hit at the same time. It's being made by Asus this year.
 
Bboy AJ

Bboy AJ

My dog was murdered by a 3.5mm audio port and I will not rest until the standard is dead
That WSJ update makes KK sound boring.
 
Bboy AJ

Bboy AJ

My dog was murdered by a 3.5mm audio port and I will not rest until the standard is dead
The Faceless Master said:
just get over with it, get a Lumia 1020.
Click to expand...

Come on, I owned an N1 while you were still on your HTC Titan. The WSJ update above doesn't sound very exciting. You think it does? Control TVs with IR, a feature most phones, including Nexus devices, don't have. Great. NFC, we're still holding on to the past. More sensors is the highlight for me and that's only because of indoor mapping possibilities. The optimization is cool, too, but if it only affects low end sets, I don't care.
 
D

DXPett1

Member
As an Aussie...do I really have to get up at 2am tomorrow to secure myself a N5 :'(

Bboy AJ said:
Come on, I owned an N1 while you were still on your HTC Titan. The WSJ update above doesn't sound very exciting. You think it does? Control TVs with IR, a feature most phones, including Nexus devices, don't have. Great. NFC, we're still holding on to the past. More sensors is the highlight for me and that's only because of indoor mapping possibilities. The optimization is cool, too, but if it only affects low end sets, I don't care.
Click to expand...

Wallet being useful to those outside the US; THIS IS VERY EXCITING
 
T

Toki767

Member
Basically when it comes to updates on US models of Andriod phones, I think it goes HTC, Samsung, Motorola, Sony, and LG last.

I don't know why LG never really updates their phones. Even their flagship devices. Luckily the G2 comes with 4.2.2 and that's probably going to be fine for the next year or two.
 
T

Threi

notag
Love that Google is trying to optimize the platform for lower end hardware and keep them updated. I'm all for users deciding on their own how long their devices last instead of being told/forced into upgrading.
 
The Faceless Master

The Faceless Master

Member
Bboy AJ said:
Come on, I owned an N1 while you were still on your HTC Titan. The WSJ update above doesn't sound very exciting. You think it does? Control TVs with IR, a feature most phones, including Nexus devices, don't have. Great. NFC, we're still holding on to the past. More sensors is the highlight for me and that's only because of indoor mapping possibilities. The optimization is cool, too, but if it only affects low end sets, I don't care.
Click to expand...

that's why i'm recommending the Lumia to you. it has exciting new camera features, best in class on a mobile handset.

and when 8.1 drops..... ... ...
 
V

Vanillalite

Ask me about the GAF Notebook
Bboy AJ said:
Come on, I owned an N1 while you were still on your HTC Titan. The WSJ update above doesn't sound very exciting. You think it does? Control TVs with IR, a feature most phones, including Nexus devices, don't have. Great. NFC, we're still holding on to the past. More sensors is the highlight for me and that's only because of indoor mapping possibilities. The optimization is cool, too, but if it only affects low end sets, I don't care.
Click to expand...

RAM optimization will be good across the board. Sure logically it'll have greater impact on the low end, but it'll help everyone using KitKat and beyond with the RAM optimization.
 
I

iavi

Member
/nitpickinstart

I can't help it, the boxes for the N7 and N5 being so ugly annoy me. My favorite line of tech coming in the funkiest playskool looking cardboard.

/nitpickingend
 
B

brotkasten

Member
Brettison said:
RAM optimization will be good across the board. Sure logically it'll have greater impact on the low end, but it'll help everyone using KitKat and beyond with the RAM optimization.
Click to expand...

I'm actually excited to get Kitkat on my Galaxy Nexus. I hope it will make it usable again.
 
Nicktendo86

Nicktendo86

Member
Well that is really odd, the google now voice in the UK has always been an English sounding man. Suddenly today it has changed to a really nice soundi g English woman! Odd....
 
J

JonathanEx

Member
Nicktendo86 said:
Well that is really odd, the google now voice in the UK has always been an English sounding man. Suddenly today it has changed to a really nice soundi g English woman! Odd....
Click to expand...

What?! I loved the voice of the man. Today in lane five will be clauuugghdy with a chaaaance of reeigggn.
 
B

brotkasten

Member
Groof said:
All this sounds really good actually! More optimisations mean longer longevity for all devices across the board! Also nice with the pedometer stuff.
Hope there's more though.
Click to expand...

The pedometer stuff is funny, because in the first few months of Google Now, you'd get a card with all the miles you traveled during the month. Then it suddenly disappeared.

p5CaMnX.png


What happened to it?
 
B

brotkasten

Member
sionyboy said:
It pops up for me on the 1st of every month. I think you need location services to be switched on for it to work. Check your location settings.
Click to expand...

I always had them on (to stalk myself on Latitude) and I honestly only got it one time and then never again. Really weird. Speaking of Latitude, what's the replacement for location stalking like that now?
 
Bboy AJ

Bboy AJ

My dog was murdered by a 3.5mm audio port and I will not rest until the standard is dead
My biggest hope for KK is that it allows my Nexus 10 to go more than two hours without rebooting.

I bet the Nexus 10 is released after the Nexus 5. It won't be simultaneous.
 
Y

yyzjohn

Banned
Bboy AJ said:
My biggest hope for KK is that it allows my Nexus 10 to go more than two hours without rebooting.

I bet the Nexus 10 is released after the Nexus 5. It won't be simultaneous.
Click to expand...


I hope they've fixed the LEAP WiFi issues along with Bluetooth streaming issues.
 
Z

Zeppu

Member
Summary of my typical day the past couple of weeks.

Wake up
Check this thread and the Nexus 5 rumour thread*
Check Twitter
Message my friend (who wakes up earlier) and ask for news
Shower
Check this thread and the Nexus 5 rumour thread
Go to work
Log on PC
Open this thread and the Nexus 5 rumour thread
Repeat for approx 7 hours
By the time it's time to leave work it'll be 17:00-18:00, which is approx 12:00 EST
Stay a bit longer at work in case news is coming out at that time
Check this thread, the Nexus 5 rumour thread, the Verge, Twitter, G+ Nexus/KitKat/Google pages
Repeat for 30-45 minutes
Drive home
Check this thread and the Nexus 5 rumour thread every time I'm stuck in traffic*
Get Home
Check this thread and the Nexus 5 rumour thread
Get bored of checking this thread and the Nexus 5 thread so I watch some TV
Use phone to check this thread and the Nexus 5 thread*
Go to bed, start watching something
Check this thread an the Nexus 5 thread*
Sleep

* This part also includes cursing at the slowness and shittiness of my current Galaxy Nexus

I haven't done the equivalent of 1 euro worth of work the past two weeks. What a waste of time.
 
S

snacknuts

we all knew her
Threi said:
Love that Google is trying to optimize the platform for lower end hardware and keep them updated. I'm all for users deciding on their own how long their devices last instead of being told/forced into upgrading.
Click to expand...

This will still be the case unless Google finds a way to update the OS without carrier or OEM involvement.
 
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