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Google I/O Day 1: What Has Been Your Favorite Announcement?

Posted by Jonathan Kizer at 4:35 pm

google i:o

The first day of Google’s massive I/O developer conference has finally drawn to a close, but with it came an absolute deluge of news and announcements. From new hardware, to dozens of news pieces of software, and even various surprises aimed at the developer crowd, the first day’s keynote had something for everyone.

But what has been your favorite part? Was it Google+’s brand new interface? Or maybe its the updates to Google maps? Or perhaps you’re more of a hardware person, and can’t wait to get your hands on the Galaxy S 4 with Google’s stock software. Personally, my favorite announcements are all of the small details: the updates to Chrome, as well as the new Hangouts messaging system, all show that Google is more focused than ever on making an excellent experience for its users.

Sound off in the comments!

Updates to Google Maps Across the Board

Posted by Stephen Hall at 4:32 pm

The Google Maps Android API v2 allows you to easily embed Maps directly into your app, but today, Google took it one step further. The launch of three new Location APIs will bring services that improve the overall maps experience. Moreover, the next version of Google Maps for iOS and Android was previewed today, packing a bunch of new features. (more…)

Introducing the New Google+

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 1:59 pm

Google+ New Look

Google+ is set to receive its first major redesign in over a year, gaining a multi-column look that closely resembles the iPad and Android tablet layout that was rolled out last June. The new Google+ design, which looks very similar to Pinterest, will be rolled out to users later today.

With a three-column, card-sized appearance, Google is hoping that users will be able to discover information on Google+ quicker and, therefore, increase their interaction with the social network. (more…)

Google Reinvents How Notifications are Handled

Posted by Stephen Hall at 1:30 pm

Google Cloud Messaging is a service announced last year that pushes data between your apps and its servers. The Google middleman that manages this transfer allows your app to use the smallest amount of data and battery possible all while providing reliability and speed. Google today announced a few new features apart of this service including one “synchronized notifications” which, as you might expect, synchronizes your notifications between devices. (more…)

New Google Hangouts Arrives: Will You Switch Away From iMessage?

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 12:38 pm

Google Hangouts

On Wednesday, at its Google I/O conference, Google announced its new unified, cross-platform messaging service called Hangouts. The service, which will be available for Android, iOS and Chrome, will be launched later today for all three of those platforms.

Hangouts adopts the same name as its popular Google+ feature, and combines Google Talk, Google+ Messenger and the original Google+ Hangouts video chat feature into one consolidated service. Eventually, those three aforementioned services will be retired. (more…)

Galaxy S4 Running Stock Android Jelly Bean Announced

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 10:56 am

Galaxy Android Stock

At the Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco, a new version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 running stock Android — no TouchWiz — with an unlocked bootloader was announced. The smartphone will begin shipping on June 26th on the Google Play Store for $649 (16 GB). While the Google I/O crowd was very receptive about the handset, prompting much applause, the audience went silent when the price tag was announced. It’s expensive.

Nevertheless, the Samsung Galaxy S4 will now gain the same treatment as the Nexus lineup of devices that Google offers. The Galaxy S4, to be available on AT&T and T-Mobile, will now receive more streamlined Android updates, without carrier delays or limitations. Other versions of the Galaxy S4, including the Galaxy S4 Mini and Galaxy S4 Active, are rumored to follow next.

Watch Google I/O Live Here

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 4:00 am

Google I/O is an annual conference that touches upon the latest in Android and Chrome developments, alongside some potential hardware surprises and other interesting announcements. The Google I/O keynote commences on Wednesday, May 15th at 9:00 AM Pacific and can be watched below, streaming live from the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Also keep tabs on the iFans blog and Twitter for extensive coverage.

Tweets by @touchfans

The Future of Android

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 9:38 am

In March, Google announced that Sundar Pichai would be taking over its Android division, effective immediately. Pichai replaced Andy Rubin, who is now working on other projects within Google. And up until a few days ago, Pichai had remained rather quiet in his new role.

But the 40-year-old graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology and Stanford has finally revealed his plans about the future of Android in an exclusive interview with Wired. Find out what’s in store for the world’s most popular mobile operating system ahead. (more…)

3 Android Smartphones Shipped For Every iPhone in First Quarter

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 11:17 am

Android-Eating-Apple The latest numbers from research firm Canalys are in for worldwide smart mobile device shipments, and Android continues to hold a significant lead. A staggering 183.7 million Android devices were shipped in the first quarter, accounting for 59.5 percent market share. Meanwhile, Apple shipped an estimated 59.6 million devices for 19.3 percent share of the market.

Microsoft finished a close third place behind Apple, capturing 18.1 percent of the market on shipments of 55.9 million devices. It’s important to note that Canalys factors in notebooks alongside tablets and smartphones, so much of Microsoft’s success lies in its strength in the PC market. On the contrary, Windows Phone handset and Microsoft Surface tablet sales have been dismal compared to market leaders Apple and Samsung. (more…)