Android App Updates Will Stop Getting In Your Way
Some time in the near future, pesky app updates on Android will stop getting in the way. Google announced a bevy of new features at its Android Dev Summit and one of…
OnePlus Takes a Hard Look at Verizon Compatibility
OnePlus and Verizon might be paired up later this year. While the nation’s largest carrier isn’t expected to sell the OnePlus 6T, the necessary bands could be included that allow the flagship device to work properly on the network. Tests are underway for the OnePlus 6T on Verizon’s network, according to PC Magazine. Multiple sources have stated something similar.
Google to Charge Huge Fee to Include Services in EU Android Devices
Earlier this week it was revealed that Google was going to start charging Android manufacturers a fee to install key software apps like the Play Store and Chrome in Europe. It was a big u-turn for Google, which always offered up the apps free of charge to reach the widest possible audience. Now, new internal documents obtained by The Verge reveal Google is going to charge up to $40 per device to install its “Google Mobile Services.”
The figure is higher than originally expected, especially considering the apps are free to install in Europe right now. Google’s decision stems from the European Commission’s $5 billion fine for bundling its own apps with Android, creating a priority for its services on the platform.
In response, Google is unbundling the apps and charging Android manufacturers to install these apps with the most important one being the Play Store as it is the portal where all other apps are downloaded. Without it, the phone won’t be of much use to consumers.
Interestingly, Google is creating three different tiers for which it’ll charge Android manufacturers. The highest fees will be assessed in the UK, Sweden, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands where a device with a pixel density over 500 ppi will have to pay the full $40 fee. Devices with 400 to 500 ppi in these countries will see a $20 fee and devices under 400 ppi will see a $10 fee.
In other countries, the fee for low-cost Android phones will be as low as $2.50 per device. Tablets will see a similar pricing tier that caps out at $20 per device.
It’s not entirely clear why Google is using pixel density as a barometer to charge for its software services. It seems kind of random but that may just be the easiest criteria it found to apply the fee.
Google is offering manufacturers a way to avoid the fees. Through a different agreement, Google is offering to cover some or all of the costs of the fees if the manufacturers install Chrome and Google search.
The new fees will take effect February 1, 2019, and vary depending on the country and device.
Samsung’s Absolutely Teasing Its Foldable Phone
While there still hasn’t been any confirmation, the South Korean company went ahead and rolled out a not-so-subtle teaser. You might need to look closely, but a tweet for the upcoming Samsung Developer Conference includes an animation that hints at the groundbreaking technology appearing soon. Now there’s little doubt of its impending arrival.
Galaxy Note 9 Production Video Reveals How the Sausage is Made
Just as its next flagship arrives around the world, Samsung is taking us on a tour. The South Korean company wants everyone to see how it makes the Galaxy Note 9. After all, this high-end phone is anything but simple. So you’re able to see each and every unit move between stations and become a fully-functioning mobile device at the end.
Samsung Continues to Roast Apple in Latest Ingenius Ads
Samsung has returned to its tried and true formula of pointing out all of Apple’s flaws that helped it first establish itself as a smartphone powerhouse. It started with “The Next Big Thing” campaign and it’s continuing with its new “Ingenius” ads that poke fun at Apple for its perceived shortcomings.
It just released three new ads focusing on the dongle, fast charger, and camera. The ads satirically use an Apple Genius that is explaining to customers the limitations of the iPhone.
The first ad highlights the need for a dongle if iPhone customers still want to continue using headphones with the 3.5mm jack. The second ad sees a customer question the Apple Genius why Apple doesn’t include the fast charger when Samsung does with the new Galaxy S9. And the last ad goes for the iPhone X camera using DxOMark’s ratings of cameras as the Galaxy S9 Plus earned a high rating (99) than the iPhone X (97).
AT&T bundles WatchTV service with new unlimited plans
WatchTV is the latest live TV streaming service to consider, but you might not have to pay for it. AT&T is bundling the service with two of its new plans.
Fortnite is finally making its way to Android this summer
Epic Games is porting its wildly popular battle royale hit Fortnite over to Android this summer. The game, which was first available on PC before soon making it over to Xbox, PS4 and iOS, has become a sensation, breaking all kinds of records and earning a distinct place in pop culture. It is available in just about every format except Android for some reason, but that’s about to change soon.
No Man’s Sky hits Xbox this July – with proper multiplayer
No Man’s Sky hit PlayStation 4 and PC almost two years ago with a weird, hollow thud. Despite having a strong start, many gamers found themselves quickly bored of the randomly-generated worlds and frustrated by the lack of multiplayer – something game director Sean Murray hinted at during development. Now the game is getting a huge update that promises to be a dream come true for lapsed No Man’s Sky fans. Finally, No Man’s Sky is getting proper, full-fat multiplayer just in time for its release on Xbox One.
YouTube Music official, set to eventually replace Google Play Music
The new music streaming service from Google is here. Following months of speculation, the company confirmed that Google Play Music will no longer be its flagship for serving up tunes on any device. YouTube Music will launch later this month, and eventually it’ll become the sole product offered by Google.
You can try Android P even if you don’t have a Pixel phone
Google just announced that you don’t need to own a Pixel phone if you’d like to experience Android P before its public release. There are several partners who will have their flagships participate in the Android P Beta that opens this summer.
Watch Google I/O keynote live right here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogfYd705cRs