Analysis: 5 things about Android Nougat to chew on

Analysis: 5 things about Android Nougat to chew on

Here it is. The long-anticipated name of the newest version of Android was finally revealed today as Android Nougat.

My first thought was - relief! We finally have a name and can stop calling it the tauntingly incomplete Android N. "N" was a reminder that this Android was still somewhat of a mystery, a codename just waiting for a candy-coated moniker. Its name was in beta, just like the new operating system itself.

My second to sixth thoughts were more varied. I've jotted them down below.

1. I hate nougat

It's chewy, it can be hard and it's usually tooth-achingly sweet.

Yes, some nougat is creamy and delicious, like what you'd find in a Snickers bar, but Google has chosen to attach Android N to my least favorite nougat (see above photo). The kind that sticks to your chicklets and feels like it's literally giving you cavities as you (try to) eat it.

I know this is not an insightful observation, but the fact that I already hate nougat gives me weird feelings about a mobile operating system named after it. It doesn't exactly bode well for our future together.

2. Is Android Nougat really what the people wanted?

Google asked the general populace to help it name this version of Android, but is Nougat really what we voted for?

I had my doubts, though, according to Google, Android Nougat was one of the most popular non-branded suggested names among millions of submissions (emphasis Google's). A company spokesperson noted that from the get-go the Android team said it would make the final naming decision.

Personally, I would have preferred Android Nacho, though that's problematic on several levels, not least because nachos are not a sweet confection.

Android Nutella is a strong second for me, though without a brand tie-in, like Android KitKat had, I'm also not surprised it didn't make the cut, either.

After that, Android Nectarine had my next vote, though Google is probably saving citrus for later.

I suppose, then, Nougat, is a natural choice, though it doesn't feel particularly inspired. It's almost so predictable, it's boring. And chewy - don't not forget that.

3. Now that we have a name, are new Nexus phones next?

Android N is already in beta, and now that it has a name, even more questions are starting to surface.

The big date on the horizon is "late summer" as that's when Android Nougat is releasing to the wild, Google says, but that doesn't mean consumers will actually see Android 7 at that time.

New versions of Android are notoriously slow to reach users because carriers hold the keys to the OS floodgates. But, we're talking about a whole new version of Android here - might Google release a new Nexus to mark its arrival?

While a new, reasonably priced device might make sense before school gets into session, the timing would be odd for Google to announce a Nexus, according to our Senior Mobile Editor Matt Swider.

He speculates that Google will in fact wait until Android Nougat 7.1 to release a new Nexus, along with Daydream VR support.

I'm inclined to agree, first because of the timing - a new Nexus release makes more sense around the holidays - and second because it seems like Google would want to put out a Daydream-ready device to get the ball rolling on its VR venture as well as pump up the new OS.

Introducing a VR-compatible Nexus phone that's running the latest version of Android makes the most sense to me, and doesn't seem likely to happen until later this year.

4. What happens when we get to Android Z?

We still have 12 letters to go, but the chatter among TechRadar staff is, what happens when we get to Android Z? Zeitgeist? Zebra? Zero Bars are a thing, according to the internet.

Now that I type this out - what about Android X? I feel a crisis coming on.

All this is to say, how sustainable is Google's Android naming scheme now that we're getting into the more difficult, less popular letters of the alphabet?

It's a similar question asked of the iPhone: iPhone 7, 8 and 9 aren't too crazy, but are we really going to have an iPhone 10? It's highly doubtful.

Google still has plenty of time before it runs into Android U, but it may want to start thinking of an exit strategy now.

5. Android O, oh, oh

There are still a lot of questions surrounding Android Nougat, and while it won't reach market saturation for quite some time, it's not too early to start thinking about Android O.

Chances are we'll hear plenty about O at Google IO 2017, which will be here in less than year.

What features will Google introduce in the next version of Android? One prediction is improved chat integration, including incorporating its new Allo app into the mix without overwhelming consumers with conversational client choice.

But, as you may have guessed, I'm also heavily invested in its name. What delicious treat will Android O be named after? Oreo? Orbit? Oh Henry!? Orville Redenbacher?

Or, might Google take a healthy turn - Android Orange, anyone?

Spotify frames Apple as anti-competitive in app update fracas

Is Apple being a competitive spoilsport to protect its own interests? Does it have a right to do so? Spotify is challenging Infinite Loop on at least the music streaming front by claiming that the company won’t approve an update to its app unless it uses the iTunes billing system.Prior to the launch of the pay-to-play

Continue reading »

The post Spotify frames Apple as anti-competitive in app update fracas appeared first on Pocketnow.

New Nexus 2016 specs rumors follow Android Nougat announcement

New Nexus 2016 specs rumors follow Android Nougat announcement

Google's meticulously planned transition from the Android N to the Android Nougat naming scheme isn't going unaccompanied by unplanned new Nexus 2016 news.

The internal specs for these next two Android phones has been leaked, and they're both shaping up to be promising sequels to the current Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, according to Android Police.

As we have reported on in the past, HTC is making both handsets this year, but we finally have a clearer idea of the power being put into the larger Android Nougat smartphone, codenamed HTC "Marlin."

The phone's 5.5-inch screen will be a pixel-dense Quad HD AMOLED display and, at its core, it'll have a quad-core Qualcomm processor, 4GB of RAM and either 32GB or 128GB of internal storage.

What's really new here

With an identical 12MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, 3,450mAh battery capacity, USB Type-C port and rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, it sounds like a simple CPU and RAM specs upgrade from the Nexus 6P.

Nexus 2016 news

But what's exciting is the unknown Qualcomm chip: It could be a Snapdragon 820, or the 821 or 832, both of which have yet to debut in a smartphone. It'll rival the blazingly fast Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge (which have Samsung's Exynos processors outside of the US and China).

The unusually narrow 32GB and 128GB storage options hopefully mean the higher capacity is at a fair price. Image if Google subtly mocks Apple's "gracious" move of getting rid of 32GB.

Only, Google would be axing 64GB. Meanwhile, Apple is very likely to finally kill off 16GB in the year 2016, but reintroduce 32GB with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. It'd be a stark contrast.

Don't expect a underpowered Nexus 5X

The Nexus 5X was a solid phone for its price and it very briefly appeared on our coveted best phones list, but its specs and performance couldn't hold a candle to the Nexus 6P and the other best Android phones.

That won't happen again, judging from the rumored specs of the smaller, HTC-built "Sailfish." It's similar 5-inch display sound just as hand-friendly as before, though it may end up using a 1080p AMOLED panel.

Nexus 2016 news

It's said to have a quad-core 2.0GHz 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM and at least start with of 32GB storage. A 2,770mAh battery is onboard, which may be okay for the smaller screen.

Everything else is said to be the same as the 5.5-inch Nexus 2016: a 12MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, rear fingerprint sensor and a USB-C port.

The 1080p display isn't that big of a deal; it's the full processor specs that I want to find out about in order to really judge the upcoming smaller Nexus. That's where the Nexus 5X failed in longevity as my daily driver, even if it's still an awesome phone for the unlocked price.

With Android Nougat due out in late summer, we expect these Nexus 2016 phone rumors to become an almost daily occurrence, so stay tuned for more updates about the new hardware.

HTC reminds us that Android Nougat will be on its newest phones

HTC has historically been pretty proud to proclaim that it will update its latest phones to the next version of Android. It’s no different today as HTC confirmed that the HTC 10, the One A9 and the One M9 will be getting the just-named Android Nougat.And it did so where else? In a tweet.Life is about to get a little sweeter. Android N will be coming to the HTC 10, HTC One A9 and the HTC One ...

Continue reading »

The post HTC reminds us that Android Nougat will be on its newest phones appeared first on Pocketnow.

Is Apple keeping you from the best Spotify experience possible?

Is Apple keeping you from the best Spotify experience possible?

Music streaming service Spotify claims Apple is intentionally making hard update its iPhone app and holding back new features. The updated app reportedly avoids Apple's payment system altogether, which is permitted, but Apple doesn't allow the use of an alternative payment system within the app.

Spotify sent a letter to Apple's top lawyer this week, bashing the iPhone maker for its anti-competitive business model. According to Recode, Spotify general counsel Horacio Gutierrez sent a letter to Apple's legal representative Bruce Sewell on June 26 blasting the company for its App store subscription limitations.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren also chastised Apple, Amazon and Google for trying to "snuff out competition."

"[This] continues a troubling pattern of behavior by Apple to exclude and diminish the competitiveness of Spotify on iOS and as a rival to Apple Music, particularly when seen against the backdrop of Apple's previous anti-competitive conduct aimed at Spotify […] we cannot stand by as Apple uses the App Store approval process as a weapon to harm competitors," wrote Gutierrez.

Spotify dominates the music subscription service world with over 30 million paying subscribers. Apple Music, on the other hand, has half of that.

We've reached out to Spotify and Apple for comment and will update when and if they reply.

Apple shoots itself in the foot

While Apple has the right to set rules for its App Store, it's easy to see that these rules are making its own products worse. Spotify isn't the first company to fight back against the Apple's 30% cut. Amazon removed the ability to purchase books within its Kindle and ComiXology apps, instead pointing users to make purchases in Safari. It's a band-aid on a real problem.

Spotify for AndroidLike most app stores, including Google Play and Amazon, Apple takes a 30% cut from any in-app purchases, including subscriptions.

The main difference is that Google and Amazon allow alternative payment systems within apps. This means Android users can sign up for Spotify using PayPal or a credit card instead of using the Google Wallet system.

Other similar services like Google Play Movies & TV are subjected to the same sub-par user experience on iOS because of Apple's anti-competitive rules.

You can browse and watch your purchased content but you can't buy anything within the app itself. Instead, you'll have to do that in Safari.

Make Apple Music better, not its competitors worse

It makes sense for Apple to prioritize its own apps and services over the competition, especially on its own platform.

But by restricting third-party developers and services, Apple is making its own product worse. Users who don't want to live exclusively within Apple's ecosystem are left with a limited user experience and Spotify users won't likely jump to Apple Music because they can't purchase a subscription.

Instead of making its competitors worse, Apple should make Apple Music better. It's not that hard for a Spotify user to hop into Safari and sign up for the service. Personally, it's annoying, but it's not going to stop me from using the services that I want to use.

Square Enix Releases FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS for Mobile Devices

Square Enix today released FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS, an entirely new FINAL FANTASY adventure for mobile devices. The free-to-play app (with in-app purchases) fuses the epic features of all FINAL FANTASY titles, including captivating story, strategic turn-based gameplay and the legendary conflict between heroes and foes with modern streamlined battle mechanics and intuitive touch controls. Here's more info: ...
Posted in Uncategorised

Nubia Z11 pre-orders top a million in a day and you can have yours, too

The Nubia Z11 was only just announced yesterday and already the ZTE company is gloating about a milestone with its fandom.It announced one million “registrations” made in 24 hours with more to come before the July 5 deadline. It’s not a OPPO-busting number, nor is it even up to

Continue reading »

The post Nubia Z11 pre-orders top a million in a day and you can have yours, too appeared first on Pocketnow.

MetroPCS carries iPhone starting July 1 in Florida, elsewhere soon

For the longest time, if you wanted the prestige of owning an iPhone, but couldn’t afford the strikingly high cost to get your voice, text and data service with it, you could go to Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile, or Cricket ...

Continue reading »

The post MetroPCS carries iPhone starting July 1 in Florida, elsewhere soon appeared first on Pocketnow.

Will there be a Google Phone? N is for Nougat, and Note 7 bells & whistles? | Pocketnow Weekly 207

What do we know about this rumored first party Google Phone? What bells and whistles might we get on the Note 7? And we’re introducing a new series on this site where editors can battle against each other for your amusement! These stories and we’ll be tackling your questions and comments. Make sure you’re charged and ready for episode 207 of the Pocketnow Weekly!Watch the video broadcast from 2:00pm Eastern on June 30th (click

Continue reading »

The post Will there be a Google Phone? N is for Nougat, and Note 7 bells & whistles? | Pocketnow Weekly 207 appeared first on Pocketnow.

Check Google’s Snapchat today for Android N name [UPDATE: Nougat]

Update: The statue has been revealed and apparently it is the Android robot on top of an Italian dessert called Torrone that has nuts and nougat in it. It’s officially been dubbed as “Android Nougat”. The version number will be 7.0.Our original story is below.Inside Google’s Mountain View, California, headquarters is a confidential file. It is trapped within a room of vanilla wafers, chocolate hazelnut spread and a bunch of sticky notes. It’s the Namey McNameface ...

Continue reading »

The post Check Google’s Snapchat today for Android N name [UPDATE: Nougat] appeared first on Pocketnow.

Revealed: Android Nougat is the new name for Android N

Revealed: Android Nougat is the new name for Android N

Hungry for more Android? Well later this year you'll be able to tuck into Android Nougat – the new name for Android N.

Google took to its Twitter (and Snapchat) accounts to announce the name, putting the end to the rumors of Nutella, Nerds and Naan.

For those eager to check out Android Nougat early, the software is currently available in Beta for select handsets giving you a taste of some of the new features which include split screen, a slender quick settings bars, fast app switching and Doze 2.0.

Has Google chosen wisely? Let us know in our poll before - and if you had a better idea stick it in the comments - maybe we can start a petition to get it changed?

577542fb33e3688a29e13bb7

NBC has 85 hours of virtual reality Olympics content up its sleeve for Gear VR users

If the Zika virus threat doesn’t spook all of the world’s top athletes into jointly boycotting it, and Brazil’s worst economic recession since the 1990s ultimately allows for the smooth unfolding of this summer’s Olympic events in Rio de Janeiro, US-based sports fans can look forward to the most epic TV and VR broadcasts in the Games’ history.Not only is NBC touting its “most live Olympics ever”, with 4,500 hours (that’s more than 187 straight days) of real-time online coverage streaming of everything from basketball to dressage, but Samsung Gear VR owners will also be able ...

Continue reading »

The post NBC has 85 hours of virtual reality Olympics content up its sleeve for Gear VR users appeared first on Pocketnow.

Verizon and Samsung Unveil 4G LTE Network Extender

Verizon and the Networks Division of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today unveiled a new 4G LTE Network Extender designed to enhance wireless voice communications and deliver robust data coverage for residential and business locations. Adding to the existing 4G LTE Network Extender for Enterprise, the new 4G LTE Network Extender expands Verizon's 4G LTE in-building coverage solution portfolio to ...
Posted in Uncategorised