google android

Android 4.3 could debut at Google I/O, not Android 5.0

With only a few weeks to go until Google I/O kicks off, Android followers expect to see the debut of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, the platform's next-generation build. Well, you know what they say about assuming, right?

According to Android Police, recent server logs for 4.3 Jelly Bean version of Android are being tested and used in the real world. Specifically, an Android 4.3 JWR23B build has been tracked to Google IPs, and allegedly tied to a pair of employees who "have a lot to do with Android."

Reportedly, two devices were … Read more

Nexus 5: The likely price, specs, camera tech (video)

When it was first glimpsed, the Nexus 4 looked pretty similar to other smartphones -- quad-core, with a high-res display and a decent camera, and the latest version of Android chucked in for good measure.

What we weren't counting on however was the simply astonishing $299 price, which let smartphone owners working on a budget acquire a phone that was every bit as capable as the Samsung Galaxy S3, but cost half as much. A lack of LTE was painful to bear, but at this cost, who could complain?

Now we're standing on the prow of the good … Read more

Can a build-your-own-phone save Motorola's bacon?

Forget all that chatter about how desperately HTC need big things out of the HTC One. Alas, they are not the only hardware maker looking for a hit in the Android space. Motorola, for its part, has been struggling to make much noise for the better part of of two years.

Ever since Google acquired Motorola, the mobile company has slowly faded into obscurity, releasing few phones and generating less excitement than in past years.

To be fair, Verizon has had success with the Droid Razr and Droid Razr Maxx as well as the HD successor. As one of the … Read more

Google Play celebrates its first birthday with special deals

Ever wanted something specific from the Google Play store but didn't want to fork over the cash for it? Well, maybe this is the week to do it.

Google announced today that in honor of Google Play's first birthday, it was offering a week of deals and discounts in its media and app store.

"It was just a year ago today that we launched this amazing shop on the interwebs to offer the best in digital content," the company wrote on its Google Play Web site. "Since the best parties are the ones that send … Read more

No massive Google presence at Mobile World Congress

Google will not set up its massive (and fun) booth at Mobile World Congress this year, according to a spokesperson from Google France (translation). Instead, Google will reportedly dispatch an Android support team to assist partners at various locations throughout the conference.

CNET has contacted Google for a statement and will update this article with any new information.

As one of the top destination spots over the last two years, Google's MWC booth has included a smoothie bar, ice cream sandwiches, and plenty of games. Let's not forget the giant, twisting slide that takes pictures of those daring … Read more

Motorola's X-Phone job req: Four clues about the phone

A new job posting discovered by Android Headlines could potentially shed light on the rumored Motorola X-Phone project details.

If you have been watching the Android space closely these past few weeks, then you've heard about the Motorola X-Phone. Expected to arrive in May at Google's I/O conference, the handset is already one of the most rumor-worthy mobile products of 2013. Why? This marks the first time we see what Google and Motorola are able to conjure up when working as one entity.

A recent job listing spotted on LinkedIn (below; click to enlarge) caught the fanboys … Read more

More Google Motorola 'X Phone' details emerge

Google will announce the rumored Motorola X Phone at its annual Google I/O conference in May, according to the latest round of rumors.

A 600-page forum thread picked up by Droid Life spills a number of new details for the forthcoming Google and Motorola initiative.

Although the X Phone, as it's known now, may make its formal debut in mid-May at the developer conference, the handset isn't expected to arrive until July 8.

The Android smartphone will be reportedly offered on "all carriers," though it isn't clear if this simply means the big four … Read more

Android in 2013: What to expect

Brace yourselves: 2013 is upon us, and that means a whole new generation of Android devices, rumors, and expectations.

Android will have a strong showing at CES, and the next few months will be littered with new smartphones and tablets. Let's take a look at some of the trends we can expect in the Android space over the coming year.

This article will touch on many trends in the Android ecosystem, including hardware advancements, vendor decisions, and key events of the year. Given the sheer number of players in the space, there will be much to look forward to … Read more

Google brings Snapseed to Android

As of today, Snapseed, one of the more unique photo-editing apps for desktop and iOS, is officially available for Android. After enjoying much success on other platforms and even getting acquired by Google in September, it was only a matter of time before this increasingly popular product would make its way onto the Mountain View titan's own mobile OS.

Snapseed offers borders, filters, and a handful of other useful tools for fine-tuning photo attributes like focus, brightness, contrast, and more. And not surprisingly, the app comes with built-in Google+ sharing, which seems to set the stage for an ultimate … Read more

As Nexus 10 hits the marketplace, new life is seen for Android tablet apps

The recent release of new 7- and 10-inch Nexus devices earned some of the strongest reviews yet for Android tablets. And yet along with praise for the high-resolution displays and snappy processors came a familiar complaint: there aren't enough apps.

As my colleague Roger Cheng put it: "Unfortunately, it's software, and not hardware, that continues to be the key problem for Google. Android tablets have struggled to make a real impression with consumers because there is a dearth of apps built specifically for tablets on Android. While the hardware and specs are great for the gadget enthusiasts … Read more