Google's working on shape-shifting robots
[MUSIC]
What's happening?
Brian Tong here, and welcome to Googlicious.
Just for all the Google goodness that we can pack inside of a show.
Alright, let's get to it.
And we're gonna start things off with some science and a partnership between MIT and Google's Boston Dynamics, who are working on developing shape shifting robots.
Now, you might recall that Google bought Boston Dynamics.
In 2013, it was known for some of their robotic prototypes like the 29 mile per hour running cheetah, and the pet man.
Amazing and scary at the same time Now MIT and Google are now developing the next gen shape shifting robots built from materials like wax and foam that can change shape when heated and can squish or contort when heated.
Don't worry, we're not at T-1000 liquid metal designs.
Yet.
Also a report by BBC News says Nvidia is working on a new Android based gaming platform running PC quality games and powered by their new Tegra 1 processor.
And will also be able to stream games to televisions with an HDMI out port and a controller accessory.
The new device will also be able to play mobile games on the go.
And Android apps similar to their SHIELD system.
NVIDIA also recently had a device referred to as the SHIELD tablet pass through the global certification form.
This could be a combination tablet and controller setup that the BBC is talking about.
And Google is making moves to prep some of it's other platforms to adopt their new material design UI they're pushing for with Android L, which is still unnamed and could be anything from lemons to lollipops or lasagna.
Yes, lasagna.
You can see in some of these comparison shots with the pre-release of the Google Play Store how content is being pushed to the forefront compared to the current design, giving this a stripped down and much more cleaner look and feel with an emphasis on hero images, as well.
They're also incorporating a similar material design, with bolder colors and a simplified look and feel with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides as well.
Now [UNKNOWN] is still trying to figure itself out, and it's still way ahead of the competition right now as more developers jump on board.
So if you own an Android Wear Smart Watch.
You guys should check out wear mini launcher that brings an application drawer to easily access the apps you want to use.
Wear is primarily made to be voice controlled, but that doesn't mean you want to talk to your wrist all the time.
So check it out on the play store, It's free, and worth a try.
Also still sticking with apps on wearables.
This one's pretty cool for Glass.
The app is called my radar weather radar, and you can call it up by saying, okay glass, show the weather.
And you'll see an animated radar screen based on your location.
Kinda fun, kinda cool.
And they have the full apps for Android and iOS already.
And Samsung is looking to make their S Pen even better for the next note.
A recent patent describes a Samsung stylus working on ultrasound waves.
Now sensors on the corner of a device, like a phone or tablet, would be able to detect the ultrasound waves the stylus produces and calculate its position based on the distance from the sensors.
The main benefit?
This will help lower the cost of the digitizer, potentially allow it to be thinner and also reduce some of the potential cost as well.
And according to a report from Korean site ET News, Samsung is preparing to launch an all-metal device as early as next month, called the Galaxy Alpha.
It's expected to be marketed as a premium SmartPhone made of metal, with its main goal of countering Apple's upcoming iPhone.
Now it would go a long ways to really squash one of the biggest complaints about Samsung's phone, that it isn't metal, but it hasn't hurt their sales because of its plastic body.
All right I'm gonna go on a little vacation so we'll be gone for a couple of weeks, but that doesn't mean we're gonna be gone for good.
That's gonna do it for this week's show.
Just email us at googlicious@cnet.com or Tweet me @briantong and maybe I'll write you from a beach.
I really won't.
Thanks so much for watching and we'll see you guys next time for more of that [INAUDIBLE].
Licious.
[MUSIC]
Googlicious.
Up Next
iPadOS 17 Revealed at WWDC 2023
Up Next
iPadOS 17 Revealed at WWDC 2023
Apple Puts an AI Twist on Accessibility
Apple Puts an AI Twist on Accessibility
Google Reveals New Magic Editor for Photos
Google Reveals New Magic Editor for Photos
Google Updates Maps With More Immersive Features
Google Updates Maps With More Immersive Features
iOS 16: Powerful Features You May Have Missed
iOS 16: Powerful Features You May Have Missed
Apple's iPhone Comes With SOS Satellite Service
Apple's iPhone Comes With SOS Satellite Service
How to Find Cheap Flights
How to Find Cheap Flights
WatchOS 9: The Best Apple Watch Features Coming This Fall
WatchOS 9: The Best Apple Watch Features Coming This Fall
Apple's Metal 3 Improves Gaming and Game Development
Apple's Metal 3 Improves Gaming and Game Development
Apple Introduces New MacOS Ventura
Apple Introduces New MacOS Ventura
Tech Shows
Latest News All latest news
Did a Week With the Apple Watch Make Me Use My iPhone Less?
Did a Week With the Apple Watch Make Me Use My iPhone Less?
How Google Tests the Cameras in Its Pixel Phones
How Google Tests the Cameras in Its Pixel Phones
Boston Dynamics' New Electric Atlas vs. Tesla's Optimus
Boston Dynamics' New Electric Atlas vs. Tesla's Optimus
What is the Fediverse?
What is the Fediverse?
The Missing Piece to Apple's Eco-Friendly Mission
The Missing Piece to Apple's Eco-Friendly Mission
First Drive in the All-Electric 2024 Fiat 500e
First Drive in the All-Electric 2024 Fiat 500e
Most Popular All most popular
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Latest Products All latest products
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
Latest How To All how to videos
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro